When 10-year-old Phoebe Lim heard news of a hawker suffering from Stage 3 colon cancer, she didn’t click the ‘Like’ button on Facebook, nor did she make a comment on the story and move on to the next article on her news feed. Instead, she used the social media platform to help the man in her own way — she launched a campaign to sell homemade sambal chilli and raise funds for his medical fees.
Tan Boon Teck, the youngest son of the late Tan Chong Chia — the founder of the famous Armenian Street Char Kway Teow stall — had made headlines earlier this month for offering char kway teow cooking lessons in order to raise money for his treatment.
According to Channel NewsAsia, Lim chanced upon a story about Tan on Facebook, and she agreed to pitch in when her father asked if she wanted to help. So she turned to Facebook to spread the word.
Unexpectedly, the reaction was overwhelming, and Lim received orders for 346 bottles of her chilli in just a few days — way above her initial target of 20 to 50.
Even Tan’s family placed orders with Lim, in a show of appreciation for her help.
When Tan’s niece discovered Lim’s fundraising initiative, she was “very happy” to hear of a complete stranger volunteering time and effort to help her uncle. With major surgery and 28 chemotherapy sessions coming up, the family estimated Tan’s medical costs to amount to about $100,000. But while they were grateful for the help, they expressed their hope that these kind souls would approach them so both parties could make sure everything would be done legally.
As for Lim, who also made headlines for her generosity and compassion, she was offered the use of a commercial kitchen and assistance from a chef. She and her dad will give the money raised to Tan in person to keep accountable to those who have contributed financially.
If you’re interested in how Lim makes chilli, which she learned from chef Benny Teo of Eighteen Chefs, watch her video below.
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