KOTA KINABALU – A crowdfunding platform has come to the aid of the hardcore poor who have been tested positive for Covid-19 in Sabah.
HanaFundMe, a crowdfunding ecosystem for aspiring women and deserving causes, has launched a campaign to raise funds for the distribution of Covid-19 Patients Admission Kits (C19PAKs) to the hardcore poor in Sabah.
“Recognising their plight, we created a campaign to drive fundraising to assist these patients by providing them with C19PAKs,” said HanaFundMe founder Angie S. Chin.
A C19PAK comprises either a body or face towel, toothbrush and toothpaste, shower gel and shampoo, a plastic mug, a plastic bowl and a set of eating utensils (fork and spoon).
Some 500 C19PAKs, each costing RM20, will be distributed to hospitals in Sabah.
“We have learnt from our hospital sources that most patients do not bring anything with them to the hospital as they either cannot afford to or have no idea what to pack.
“Although the target is to raise RM10,000 for 500 C19PAKs, any excess funds will be used to procure items for subsequent sets,” said Chin.
In welcoming donations, Chin said donors can make deposits directly to WW Asia Sdn Bhd (Maybank: 5144 8653 5816) by indicating “C19PAK” in their payment details.
Donations in kind (in accordance with the list of required C19PAK items) is also welcomed.
This is not the first Covid19-related campaign launched by the Kuala Lumpur-based platform for Sabah.
“During the first movement control order, we were one of the first few to start raising funds to procure PPE supplies for hospitals in Sabah,” she added.
To date, the platform has also raised funds for hygiene supplies for frontliners as well as cleaning tools required for the Covid-19 quarantine hub in Kota Belud.
From there, they escalated into partnering with telco giants, including Huawei and UMobile, to sponsor 60 units of e-devices and one year of free data for needy students in rural Sabah.
“One of the 36 recipients of these devices is a 16-year-old student from SMK Ulu Sugut, Norhana Abdul Rasid.
“Norhana fell some 50 to 60 feet on November 26 when, while she and her friends were on their way to get better internet reception, the hanging bridge she was on in Kg Gusi collapsed,” said Chin.
Those interested in finding out more can email [email protected]. – The Vibes, January 22, 2021
