Here’s your dose of feel-good for the day:
Some of you may recall the story of visually-impaired Stevens Chan and his guide dog some months ago. They walked into a mall together but were soon escorted out of the premise by a security guard.
That story, originally published in the Malay Mail Online in May, caught on and generated enough buzz to give way to what you’re about to read now.
Last month, Chan and his guide dog Lashawn featured in an eye-opening short film entitled ‘Are You Blind?’ about the challenges faced by the visually-impaired in Malaysia. Among them, being turned down by cabbies and bus operators.
Enter taxi driver Mohd Kamil Affendy Hashim who saw the film and was so moved that he decided to post on Chan’s Facebook page offering to ferry him and Lashawn in his cab.
Today, The Malay Mail Online published news of his gesture that got others inspired as well.
“I got several calls after declaring I support any person using guide dogs and thankfully those who called had positive things to say,” the 32-year-old told the news portal adding that he is familiar with dogs, having transported them in his Proton Persona.
“People need to understand there are many ways to handle dogs rather than running away from them.”
The film depicts a young Chan whose parents work hard to make ends meet and eventually raise enough money to get him a guide dog. Years later, Chan is filmed heading out into the city with Lashawn and attempts to take several forms of public transportation only to be turned down because of his canine companion. He then walks into a mall and is told to leave.
Shot by Jason Lim Productions and uploaded on Aug 28, the video had garnered close to 28,000 views on YouTube and over 27,000 shares on Facebook.
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