Khor, a creative director with an adveritising firm, volunteered in Orissa India 3 times. Let’s find out from him what makes him go back there for volunteer holidays.

TMTVT: Thank you for agreeing to do an interview with us on your volunteer holiday in Orissa. We know that you have been to India a few times, could you tell us what triggered you on this volunteering trip?

Khor: I was inspired by the founder of a missionary group 3 years ago to help and contribute to the people of Orissa in India, hopefully in a significant way. I have been going back to Orissa every year since, usually for a week together with my family and friends.

TMTVT: So what did you guys do there?

Khor: We had a lot of fun running a funfair for about 700 children on top of doing a skit for them and distributing some clothes. We also taught the kids to play guitar, drums, computer, soccer and baseball. I felt like a child being with the children. Just look at the pictures, it speaks for itself.

TMTVT: Sounds like a lot of fun to me. So these experiences must have been quite an impact on you for you to go back again and again.

Khor: Yes you’re right. First, the children in Orissa were such an inspiration. They had such strong faith and hope in spite of their tough circumstances. I’ve personally learned to be more appreciative of what I have especially after seeing the life of an average person in India.  I must say that I came back with a new perspective of life. As I also went with my family, I can see how my son has become more compassionate and caring towards others as he compared the living condition there and back home. He has grown to become more responsible after these experiences. On the overall, the bond in my family has grown stronger as we volunteered as a family.

TMTVT: Did you have the same volunteer activities for all your 3 visits to Orissa?

Khor: Well, for my first 2 trips to Orissa, we packed our itinerary with lots of different activities but soon realised that the children were the ones we should focus on. So during our third visit, we placed more focus on the children as we felt that they need more care and love.

TMTVT: What advice would you give to those considering going on a volunteer holiday?

Khor: It does not take a lot, just go and share your love and care. It is not about the volunteer work, it is about your presence that brings them hope. It is also important to have fun and enjoy yourself there while teaching or doing something there that you would also enjoy. Even my son, niece and nephew would want to go back with me again.

TMTVT: Can you share with us something you saw that you cannot forget?

Khor: During one of my trips there, we witnessed a 4-day old baby being sent to the orphanage after the demise of his mother. We saw the founder of the orphanage holding the baby with tears running down his cheeks. Our team was very touched at the scene because although there were many more such babies out there, at least one has been saved and not abandoned on the street. We wondered what the fate of that baby would be like if he were

 We were also moved by the founder's love for the people as he did not grow used to such situation, his heart is still soft and tender towards the people there. I guess it would not be possible to do what he is doing if he were to grow used to the plight of the people there.