GEORGE TOWN – Daily struggles and heartache are amplified for the hardcore poor especially in the run-up of any festive season.
To bring some Deepavali joy to 150 families, the Penang Hindu Association (PHA) and Klinik Derma Sivasanta (KDS) raised funds to provide them with care packs, foodstuff and cash aid.
PHA president P Murugiah said the poor are finding it difficult to cope during this time of the year. Some are suffering from anxiety and stress that is affecting their mental health.
“We believe that supporting these families during the festive season will bring them some happiness and a sense of relief as they will be able to celebrate with their family and friends.”
The representatives of 85 families collected the aid at KDS last week. It included foodstuff, health supplements, toiletries, hand sanitisers and first aid kits as well as vegetarian food packs.
Each family was also given a RM50 cash aid to buy festive-related items for Deepavali.
Meanwhile, committee members helped to deliver the aid package to the remaining 65 families who were unable to collect it themselves. Some had medical complications while others were single parents who had to attend to their children.
Among the donors were Tg Bungah assemblyman Zairil Khir Johari, Penang Food Aid, OEL Distribution Sdn Bhd, Alagappa's Curry Powder, Syarikat Rempa Jaya Sakti, Giri Ashram, Fulian (M) Sdn Bhd (Raiya toothpaste) and Lotus Tg Pinang general manager B Deviarajan.
Murugiah said PHA and KDS do not only provide aid but also help underprivileged cancer and kidney dialysis patients to pay off their medical bills.
They also provide support to poor students by paying their academic fees or providing them with laptops to facilitate their studies. To date, more than 50 students have benefited from this assistance, and all of them completed their studies.
PHA and KDS are always in need of aid to run their programmes. Those who are interested to donate can contact Murugiah at 016-444 9246. – The Vibes, October 28, 2021
