CHARITY bodies continue to stay resilient and provide their services despite facing a challenging period.
They strive to ensure the less fortunate live a better tomorrow.
Buletin Mutiara interviewed several non-governmental organisations (NGOs), especially those directly involved in charity-related initiatives, to understand their struggles and efforts taken to weather through this difficult time.
Rumah Sejahtera Permatang Tinggi chief executive officer Datuk Tan Yong Seng extended his heartfelt appreciation to supportive business owners, manufacturers, individual donors and most importantly the state government for channeling crucial assistance in the face of the pandemic.
“My heart goes out to all of them, and a special thanks to our Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow for the donations in the past one year.”
Pusat Jagaan Rumah Sejahtera in Kepala Batas is also under Yong Seng’s supervision.
“Since the implementation of a series of movement control orders last year, the two nursing homes have relied on ‘charity-minded’ people to survive.
“Donations in cash and kind have reduced drastically, especially from other associations and manufacturers. We face operational challenges due to lack of materials and funds.
“We are still able to provide our services because there are amazing ‘charity-minded’ people who come forward to assist us.
“We are very grateful to them,” Yong Seng said during a phone interview.
Meanwhile, One Hope Charity and Welfare chairman Chua Sui Hau said the organisation was not greatly affected because its official website, that was recently launched, helped to acquire the funds it needed through digitalisation.
“The various movement control orders have made it harder for walk-in donors who wished to donate.
“However, the donors can donate to us via online. These donations will be translated into medical care and other services for the underprivileged.
“Those who wished to donate in kind can contact us,” Chua said.
Eden Handicap Service Centre co-founder Madelene Tan said the centre is grateful for all the donations from the public.
“There has been a dip in donations. However, this difficult period will pass.
“We thank all the good souls that have been helping the organisation so far,” Madelene said.
Donations can be channelled to the organisation via online.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Law Suun Ting