SINCE the emergence of Covid-19 pandemic and the implementation of various types of lockdowns to curb the spread of the virus, people’s livelihoods have been greatly affected.
This is where non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and various parties have stepped forward and helped those in need.
Despite being cash-strapped because of the Covid-19 pandemic, several NGOs are not slowing down in their efforts to help the disadvantaged.
They have actively played their part to assist the underprivileged with their charity work such as the food baskets and other initiatives as well.
In Penang, the Penang Forward Sports Club (PFSC) has come up with its own charity project.
Its chairman Lim Choo Hooi said through the charity project, known as ‘Forward Care’, the sports association has distributed a total of 545 food baskets to the needy.
“Each food basket consists of rice, instant oat, noodles, face masks, canned food, toothpaste, toothbrush, coffee, biscuits, eggs and many others.
“Initially, we only target around 500 food baskets but due to overwhelming response from the needy, we have received 545 applications in just two days after the launch on July 10.
“So this means, more people need to be assisted. We will not stop now but will continue with the second batch of food baskets soon.
“They can follow our official Penang Forward Sports Club Facebook page at https://m.facebook.com/pages/category/Amateur-Sports-Team/Penang-Forward-Sports-Club-202418829790100/ for any update regarding the food baskets initiative,” he said when contacted by Buletin Mutiara today.
Penang Muslim League, another NGO which has been active in helping the underprivileged, has given out food baskets to 480 families last year and 300 families this year.
Its deputy president Datuk Dr Shahul Hameed Syed Mohamed said the food baskets initiative cover the whole of Penang, including those living on the mainland.
“Each food basket consists of rice, sugar, bihun (rice vermicelli), canned food, biscuits, cooking oil and many others.
“We started the food distribution programme with the aim of helping as many people as we can from the underprivileged group, regardless of their race, religion and political views. We will not leave anyone behind, especially in these trying times.
“Apart from food baskets, we also give financial assistance to the needy,” he added.
Meanwhile, for One Hope Charity & Welfare, the NGO has distributed more than 15,000 sets of food packages worth RM3.44 million to the underprivileged seeking help from January until July this year.
“This includes a total of 4,200 packs of essential items and food that have been distributed to all the 40 state constituencies; and another 5,000 packs through One Hope Charity’s ‘Covid-19 Relief Program’.
“One Hope Charity also has launched its ‘Food Basket with Love Campaign’ in mid of June, where 5,000 sets of boxes filled with food supplies have been delivered to the doorsteps of underprivileged families through courier services in Penang.
“And of course, we will continue to do so as long as there are people in need,” said its chairman Datuk Chua Sui Hau.
Property developer Hunza Properties Berhad is also playing its part to help the underprivileged.
The company has teamed up with Penang Premium Business Enterprise Association (PPBEA) to set up two food banks at Gurney Paragon Mall in George Town and Penang International Commercial City (PICC) sales gallery in Bayan Lepas today.
In a statement issued on Hunza Properties Bhd Facebook page, the company said the food banks initiative would continue until Aug 20.
“As the pandemic drags on with continued restrictions on economic activities, many people are finding it difficult to put food on the table for their families.
“Thus, we decided to give out hearty meals and some daily necessities to struggling individuals and those looking for food assistance.
“If you need help, please come to collect the food items at both locations. Distribution starts from 11am until 2pm on first-come, first-served basis.
“And for those who wish to help out, you can donate the necessities at our food banks too. Let us help and care for each other through our shared resources so that the society can be a better place for all,” the statement said.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Law Suun Ting