Updates On 1st Feb 2015
ACRES 
Feb 1, 2015 
ACRES, NGOs 
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REMEMBERING MARJORIE
Today we take a moment to remember, with great fondness, a true legend in animal protection and kindness to all beings: the late Marjorie Doggett. Marjorie was a true inspiration to all of us working to help and protect animals, and was instrumental in the formation of ACRES nearly 14 years ago.
Yesterday would have been Marjorie’s birthday. Here we share a beautiful tribute to this amazing lady written by Vadivu, a co-founder of ACRES, which was originally posted on her Facebook page “For Those Helping Animals.” Thank you, Vadivu, for allowing us to share your thoughts and words, and for highlighting the important lessons that Marjorie taught all of us who were fortunate to know her.
“Today is Marjorie Doggett’s birthday. Marjorie was a pioneer of animal welfare in Singapore. She was one of the founders of the local SPCA, an advisory director with the World Society for the Protection of Animals and Secretary of the International Primate Protection League. And she was one of my role-models.
I met Marjorie in 1992 when I was just starting out on my journey to reduce animal suffering. (I thank Guna Subramaniam for being an important part of that journey and introducing me to Marjorie.)
Marjorie had a deep impact on my life and I wrote this letter to her on 18 August 2010, after returning from her funeral.
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Dear Marjorie,
Thank you for so many things but especially for teaching me some precious life lessons. You taught me -
The Power of One – One person can make a tremendous difference. You did. You spoke up on animal use in industries such as farming, entertainment and experimentation long before most people did in Singapore. You made me feel less lonely. Walking up Changi Village to your home was like a trek to a quiet sanctuary where I felt there was someone else who cared about the issues I did.
The Power of the Written Word – You wrote great letters to The Straits Times Forum page and to government agencies speaking up for animals. I enjoyed us reading each others’ letters. You taught me to always use the written word carefully and research something accurately before writing it.
The Power of Peaceful Engagement – You built bridges. You were respected even by people you lobbied. You spoke well of public servants who cared about animals and the constraints they also faced. You did not demonise people who could not do what we wanted them to. I had more anger than you in those days and it has taken me longer to realise the power of love in advocacy work.
How Ego-less One Can Be – You worked quietly behind the scenes, never caring about recognition.
What Real Commitment Looks Like – We live in a fast-paced world where we lose patience when it takes just a little longer to even download something from the Internet. You knew that it takes commitment and patience to really make a lasting difference. You were committed to animals for over 50 years.
Most of this you did by just being who you were. You were a peaceful warrior.
My dear Marjorie, I am so glad I told you all I wanted to say to you about how I felt about you and the impact you had on my life when you were still alive.
You have left when I am starting my own new special journey in Singapore. I ask for your blessings for I am about to embark on something that is also going to take a lifetime. Please bless me with the strength to live out the patience, commitment, truth, justice and peace you stood for.
During one of my last visits, you whispered, “Remember me”. You needn’t have said that. Legends are never forgotten.
Love,
Vadivu
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Although I was saddened when Marjorie died, I felt peace that I had appreciated her when she was alive and that I had visited her periodically even when she could not speak much anymore.
One thing I did which she appreciated was introduce her to talking books, available from the Singapore Association for the Visually Handicapped. She started losing her sight some years ago and these books brought her the intellectual stimulation she needed. If you know someone who is also losing their sight, see how your local vision-impairment agency can help.”
Source: https://www.facebook.com/ACRESasia/photos/a.223077136522.136..
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