Tuesday, August 4, 2015

Volunteering at the Shopfront

Dear readers

Spent another interesting night volunteering at the Shopfront at Maylands.

We nearly could not open shop as there was only me, Brian and Jeannette at the soup kitchen and the safety protocol requires at least 4 persons to open up to receive the homeless.

Luckily 3 more volunteers came in at 6.05 pm.

Jeannette is to be complimented for her volunteering work. She is Irish I believe and has been helping at the Shopfront for over 6 years.

She was the guiding light in the kitchen giving me directions.

We had over 60 visitors today asking for more and more toasties and soup.

The gratifying part is when some of the people we help come and say thank you and good night. Some are demanding expecting charity as their right. Most are aware of their situation and thankful for the soup kitchen.

One actually wrote a poem for the volunteers and I will publish it here,

When I got home my youngest son asked me if I had a warm fuzzy feeling in my heart. Yes, I did, it is good to be able to help the less fortunate. In our world of privilege, it is good to give back.

Good night.

Sunday, August 2, 2015

Seminar on Estate planning at South Perth 13 Aug 2015

Estate Planning Seminar

Presented by your trusted legal advisor

Tan and Tan Lawyers would like to invite you to attend a seminar to discuss your estate planning matters.

Cost of Seminar: A gold coin investment or any amount you wish. The funds will be used to sponsor Raymond Tan in his 7th CEO Sleepout. Raymond sleeps out annually as a homeless lawyer to raise funds for the St Vincent De Paul Society to help WA’s homeless. This is an annual fundraiser and Raymond has taken part for 6 years in a row.

Date of Seminar: Thursday, 13 August 2015 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM

Place of Seminar: South Perth Library, Cnr South Tce & Sandgate St, South Perth, WA 6151

Estate planning is crucial to protect your hard earned assets from falling into the wrong hands. The seminar will allow attendees to hear the estate planning tactics used by the rich and famous to protect their assets.

The talk will be for 40 mins followed by questions and answers.

Please send in your email confirmation of attendance by 12 August 2015 as space is limited.

Email to ask@tanandtanlawyers.com to book your seat.

Tuesday, July 21, 2015

Volunteering at the Shopfront

Dear readers

I have been sleeping out as a homeless lawyer for 6 years. That has been gratifying, being able to know that I have helped the homeless through the CEO Sleepout event.

However that is a yearly event and I starting thinking that I can and should do more.

I visited a Chinese man in a nursing home as a community visitor. What started out as a fortnightly visit bringing him Chinese food ended up with me visiting him for over 10 years. I think I may have contributed to Michael's heart condition with all the roast pork I bought him as I could not bear to see him eating the nursing home food.

Anyway, Michael passed way last December. I have felt a hole in my soul since as I believe I should do more social work.

So I volunteered at the Shopfront which is located at Maylands. It opens in the day and at night to provide food and comfort to the homeless and the unfortunate.

Today was my first day as a volunteer and I enjoyed myself. Helping to feed and serve the less fortunate. Looks like this will be my new fortnightly volunteer work.

I was just surprised how much we can feed the visitors to the centre. I was most amazed at bread that was brought in by a donor who owned a bakery. There were piles of bread.

Will update all regarding my volunteer work.

Night.

Friday, June 19, 2015

Homeless lawyer

Dear readers

This is the 6th year that I am sleeping as a homeless lawyer to raise funds for the homeless in WA.

This year I dragged in my son's badminton coach and her husband Matt. I have Andy Yuan and Leona Gu too.

They have all done well raising funds and awareness for the homeless.

I was ranked 6th in WA and maybe 19 Australia wide after raising $34000. This was without the usual top up from Minderoo Foundation that has been supporting the sleep out for 5 years. Last year they top up $10000 so that I reach $33000.

I still managed to raise $34000 without the Minderoo top up. Thanks to Frank and Henry Pua, The Cheahs and Frank Liang who donated $3000 each. So generous of them.

I was glad that the friends I brought in enjoyed the experience.

However it is not an experience I wish anyone. It was raining tonight and it was difficult finding a safe and dry place to sleep.

Got to sleep now and get ready for breakfast at 6 am. That is a luxury the homeless do not get.

Night.

Raymond Tan