Doctor gives her maid $800 and flight ticket home after finding out why she was crying
A woman paid for her domestic helper's flight and gave her $800 so that she could return to quake-stricken Myanmar to reunite with her family.
The March 28 earthquake, which has a magnitude of 7.7 on the Richter scale, left many buildings destroyed. Myanmar media reported that 2,719 people have died as of April 1, with another 4,521 injured and 441 missing.
According to Shin Min Daily News, the 30-year-old helper had only been working in Singapore for six months when she received a call from her brother last Friday night.
The maid was told that her 62-year-old mother had gone missing in the earthquake and her fate remains unknown.
Dr Chen Huiqin recounted: "When we came home that night, we heard our maid crying in her room and found out that her family had suffered a tragedy."
The maid wanted to return home and Dr Chen immediately agreed: "We felt that she should be with her family during this difficult time."
Alongside the $335 flight ticket to Myanmar, Dr Chen also gave her $800 in cash.
The 52-year-old obstetrician and gynaecologist explained: "She has only worked for six months and has yet to repay her debt to the employment agency. She has no money, so I hope I can give her some support with this."
The helper was a college graduate who spoke English fluently. Before leaving, she wrote her employers a letter.
Dr Chen's daughter also drew a card for the maid to express their gratitude.
"I miss them so much, but I am also so grateful. Without their generosity, I would not be able to go home," said the helper.
A reporter saw Dr Chen bidding a tearful farewell to her helper on April 2.
The helper, who was very emotional, said: "My mother has been missing for five days and I am absolutely distraught. But I am also very grateful to my employer. I feel very lucky to have met them."
Speaking to the reporter, Dr Chen shared: "The situation in Myanmar now is chaotic. She must feel helpless when she goes back. I just hope that the situation can improve as soon as possible and her life can settle down. Maybe she will have the opportunity to work in Singapore in future."
After learning about the tragedy, the helper's agency, Best Home Employment, waived her debt.
Executive director Zheng Kunming said the company had verified the matter with their partners in Myanmar and learnt that the helper's mother might have died.
"We decided to waive her debt and also gave her a $150 red packet to help her get through this difficult time," said 60-year-old Mr Zheng.
The company will also help Dr Chen to find a replacement maid for free.
