SOLE bread winners are often the engine of the family. All was well for Sivanesan until he suffered a life-threatening motorcycle accident last year, which caused an instant income standstill for the family.
Considering the family has three kids who are still schooling, Batu Uban assemblyman A. Kumaresan donated a brand new Dell laptop, courtesy of his friend for the kids to participate in their ongoing online classes.
“What happened to Sivanesan was truly unfortunate. He was the sole bread winner until the dreadful nightmare last year.
“The accident was so bad that he suffered multiple fractures all over his body, causing total and permanent disability (TPD).
“The kids have been using their father’s smart phone to participate in online classes. When it comes to education, all kids must equally be given the medium to learn and be somebody in life.
“The Penang E-Learning Computer Programme has been receiving overwhelming responses thus far. So, I approached a friend of mine and he agreed to sponsor a laptop for the kids.
“At least they can now take turns to use the device for their online classes,” Kumaresan told Buletin Mutiara during an exclusive phone interview today.
He had previously visited the family who lives around Bukit Gambir to distribute food aid. The laptop was donated on July 20.
Sivanesan’s wife, K. Meena, 49, was no short of a contributor for the well-being of the family as she was a part-time make-up artist before Covid-19 happened and dampened all forms of businesses.
“YB Kumaresan was the first politician to approach my family to offer the much-needed help.
“His help was truly timely as the kids were really in need of a device for their classes. Just days after visiting us for the first time, he came over again to donate a laptop for my kids.
“He is really kind and compassionate. It is my family’s hope that he will continue helping the needy in the state,” an emotional Meena said.
Despite her family’s desperate situation, Meena refused to entirely depend on the help of others to survive.
So, she had appealed to Kumaresan to help her secure a slot in any nearby food complex to set up a food stall.
It was learnt that she can also cook well and wants to earn some income by selling food during breakfast and lunch time.
Kumaresan said he had told Meena to apply through the Penang Island City Council’s (MBPP) portal.
“I have forwarded the link to her and said we will write a letter to support her application. It is really good to see that there are families who are willing to work hard and make a living through their own.
“The state government and all relevant donors will continue to provide all necessities for families in need.
“But if you are hardworking and still in good shape to earn a living, by all means, please do so,” Kumaresan added.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix courtesy of YB Kumaresan’s office