From Broken to Blessed: How a Mother’s Loss Sparked a Movement of Sharing and Hope

From widowhood to community builder, from loss to legacy—this is the inspiring story of Zarina Jaffar.

In 2008, Zarina’s world shattered when her husband was killed in a tragic accident, leaving her to raise three young children alone. With an empty wallet and a broken heart, she fought through grief and hardship, determined to keep her family afloat.

What began as a mother’s instinct to stretch every dollar and reuse every item soon became something far greater. In 2012, Zarina founded 3R Recycle, Sharing Is Caring—a simple Facebook group that grew into a movement of more than thirty-two thousand members, transforming “trash” into treasures for families across Singapore.

Her story is one of resilience, faith, and the power of sharing. Along the way, Zarina discovered that even the smallest act of kindness can restore dignity, rebuild hope, and ripple far beyond what we can see. In 2025, her journey was honoured with the Exemplary Mother Award by Jamiyah Singapore.

From Broken to Blessed is more than a memoir—it is a reminder that no matter how dark the road, love and perseverance can light the way.

For every mother who has felt invisible, for every family who has struggled to survive, and for every person who believes in the strength of community—this book is a beacon of hope.