Charlene could do with some quick help!

About a year ago, I struck up a brief conversation with a charming young lady sitting beside me on the commuter train. The first thing that struck me about Charlene was her friendly and trusting nature. She told me stuff about herself that showed her to be a frank and sincere person, but perhaps a bit naïve.

Charlene got off two stops before me, so it was only a short, sweet chat. On impulse I handed her my name card and wondered if I would ever bump into her again on the train.

Imagine my surprise when I got a phonecall out of the blue this morning from Charlene Anne Ravi. She had kept my name card all this while and suddenly thought of calling me when she found herself in a tight spot.

I wasn't fully awake when Charlene explained her problem and asked if I could lend her RM2,000. Apparently, she and her mother suddenly had to move house and she didn't have enough cash on hand to pay the deposit on the new place. Charlene works as an administrative clerk in some property firm in Cheras. I guess it's a sign of the times when it gets harder and harder to manage on a fixed salary.

Admittedly, it was odd that Charlene would think of calling me, almost a total stranger, to help her out. But, then, much odder occurrences than this have happened to me. On the soul level, perhaps, she had picked up that I was some species of benign uncle who could be relied upon in a crunch.

I thought about Charlene's predicament and was tempted to just lend her the money - but it was two-thirds of all the money I own in the world and Charlene was honest enough to say she could only repay the loan in four or five months.

So I suggested that I help her in a different way - by blogging about her urgent request for help in the hope that at least a handful of those who follow this blog will be inspired to play Good Samaritan and deposit some cash in her account pronto - just to tide a sweet young woman over a financial rough patch.

From painful experience, I know it's really difficult to repay money one borrows. Far easier to raise the required funds by passing the hat around than for just one person to shoulder the burden.

I'd rather give Charlene a modest cash contribution towards her house-moving than worry for several months if she will be able to repay the loan. So, with this announcement, I'm going to start the ball rolling by depositing RM100 in Charlene Anne Ravi's bank account. Anyone else care to play low-budget philanthropist?

Charlene and her mum (from her Facebook album)

Please do what you can to help this charming young woman get on with her life. I'm sure she'll be very grateful for any help offered - and the day will come when she finds herself in a position to do the same for somebody else in a tight spot.

Below is an email I just received from Charlene that explains her dilemma and provides her banking details:-

Dear Antares,

The story goes like this. We had just a short time to move out from my previous house due to my owner had a buyer for the apartment and my mum, sister and I only had a 2 weeks notice to move out from the house, so now we have shifted to a different apartment last saturday 1/5/10 and only managed to pay RM200 (booking fees) to the new owner and the balance we haven't got the cash to settle it ASAP. we need at least RM2,000.00-RM2,500.00 to settle as the deposit is 2+1+ 1 mnth electric n water bill.

My name as in ic, Charlene Cindu A/P N.Ravindrarajah

My account no: 162012771898 (Maybank)

I would be so thankful if u really can help me, and if this works out, i owe something big. Although I've met you just once on the train and we barely know each other, i know you're a kind and a friendly person and suddenly this morning something just made me think of you and i remembered that i still have your name card and thought to give you a call and Im glad you're willing to help me in this way.

Charlene

x x x x x

NOTE: So I can monitor the success of this fundraising campaign and keep you updated on the results, could all donors please notify me by email or SMS (+60102007346) after you've transferred money into Charlene's account (unless, of course, you choose to remain anonymous for some reason). Thanks!
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7 MAY 2010 NEWSFLASH!

Charlene called me before noon today with the exciting news that "total strangers" (you know who you are!) have chipped in a grand total of RM2,450 to help her and her mum resolve their house-moving woes. The campaign has succeeded beyond all expectations and Charlene wishes to express her gratitude to everybody who has shown her such remarkable kindness. It's only fair that we formally put a lid on this exercise now.

THANKS AGAIN, ALL YOU AMAZING PEOPLE WHO CAME THROUGH FOR CHARLENE!