IT is no doubt that Covid-19 came and created havoc for most businesses across the globe, dampening the lives and livelihoods of many citizens, as well as wrecking the global economy.
Although the recovery here in Malaysia is evident after daily new Covid-19 cases have been reduced and the economy slowly gaining momentum, there are entities still struggling to make ends meet.
One such entity is St Nicholas’ Home, a non-profit organisation for the blind and visually impaired here in Penang.
Its general manager Carmen Chew said the home is still feeling the impact of Covid.
“Understaffed and underfunded, these are two challenges the home is currently facing.
“Many of our staff have left due to multiple reasons, and as for the funds, most of our regular donors were senior citizens, and quite a number of them have passed away.
“Those from the older generations understand our daily operations but unfortunately, most of the young ones don’t really know how and what we do here.
“We not only provide shelter for the blind and visually impaired, but we conduct classes, vocational trainings, young childhood education and many other services as well.
“Despite our challenges, we are trying our best to ensure the home is consistently equipped with the needful, and that is why our upcoming food carnival this weekend will play a key role to raise funds for the home,” Chew told Buletin Mutiara during a brief interview at St Nicholas’ Home on Sept 19.
The food carnival will be held on Sept 24 at the home from 9am to 2pm.
Chew said as of Sept 19, a total of 100 books (each book consists of tickets worth RM1,000) have been sold to the public.
“Our aim is to raise RM200,000 through this event. We have so far reached RM100,000.
“Although we are only halfway through, we are confident that on the day of the event, people would walk in and purchase the tickets and enjoy the food carnival,” she added.
It was learnt that a total of 60 stalls are expected to be set up, which will see some renowned and iconic food stalls and restaurants in the state selling their popular delicacies.
Chew also mentioned that the residents will be preparing pastries to be sold during the food carnival.
“We are grateful for the tremendous support we have received so far, including from our state assemblyman for Pulau Tikus, Chris Lee and many other state representatives too,” she said.
The home currently has 71 residents of all ages. The oldest is 85 years old.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat