Imagine sacrificing something you’ve cherished for years, not just for any cause, but to make a profound impact on the lives of others. That’s exactly what Ayesha Assilla Watuna, a 30-year-old homemaker from Sabah, Malaysia, decided to do. In a move that blends personal sacrifice with global compassion, Ayesha is selling her beloved collection of rare Pokémon cards to fund her participation in the Global Sumud Flotilla’s humanitarian mission to Gaza, scheduled for early 2026. But here’s where it gets even more inspiring: her collection isn’t just any set of cards—it’s a treasure trove of over 3,000 pieces, including limited-edition and hard-to-find items that hold both sentimental and financial value.
Ayesha’s journey began when she witnessed Malaysian women stepping up to support Palestine, and she felt compelled to contribute in her own unique way. 'I wanted to show that I could make a meaningful difference,' she shared in a recent interview with Bernama. 'And I’ll be able to tell my children one day that I sold my Pokémon cards to help those in need in Palestine.' But here’s where it gets controversial: Is it ever truly easy to let go of something that’s been a part of your identity, especially when it’s tied to childhood memories? Ayesha’s decision sparks a thought-provoking question: How far would you go to support a cause you believe in?
Since late October, Ayesha has been selling her cards online and at a weekend night market in Taman Melawati, Kuala Lumpur. So far, she’s raised over RM15,000, with card prices ranging from RM2 to several thousand ringgit each. 'I’m determined to donate 100% of the proceeds to the Global Sumud Flotilla fund,' she declared. 'I don’t mind parting with every single card, even the ones I’m emotionally attached to.' Among her collection is a rare Pokémon edition sold exclusively in Japan, gifted to her by a friend—a testament to the global reach of her passion.
Ayesha’s card-collecting hobby began in June this year as a way to fill her free time, but she never anticipated the cards’ potential value. Spending around RM2,000 monthly to grow her collection, she quickly learned that card prices fluctuate based on market demand, much like gold. 'The longer you hold onto a card, the higher its value can climb,' she explained. Collectors often use the Shiny app to track prices—simply scan a card, and its market value appears. And this is the part most people miss: Some bundles she bought for RM400 are now worth double, and their value could continue to rise, especially if the original plastic seal remains intact.
For Ayesha, card collecting isn’t just a hobby; it’s therapeutic, offering solace during stressful times. Her favorite character is Charizard, and she admires the illustrations of Tomokazu Komiya. But now, her focus is on turning her passion into purpose. Here’s the question we leave you with: Would you part with something you love for a greater cause? Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your perspective!
