Deepavali cheer for 130 kids and 50 families from Aeon Foundation
KLANG: This year’s Deepavali celebration will be more meaningful for 130 children and 50 underprivileged families in the district, whose plight caught the attention of Malaysian Aeon Foundation (MAF).
Embracing the spirit of giving in conjunction with the Festival of Lights on Tuesday, MAF came forward to help the children and families prepare for Deepavali celebrations.
Joy was visible on the faces of the recipients, especially the children, as they were taken to Aeon Bukit Tinggi here to shop for clothes, stationery and toys.
MAF vice-president Shinobu Washizawa said the programme was held by the foundation annually to assist the needy.
“When we see smiles on the children’s faces, we know that we have made a difference in their lives.
“The foundation is also pleased to work with Sri Maha Mariamman Temple this year.”
Present were Aeon Co (M) Bhd chairman Datuk Iskandar Sarudin, Aeon credit managing director Kenji Fujita, Klang member of parliament Charles Santiago, Aeon group top management members, MAF committee members and 60 volunteers involved in the programme.
Every child received RM50 while each family received RM200 and basic necessities, such as rice, sugar and flour worth RM100.
Santiago, who represented MAF, presented a cheque for RM10,000 to the management of Sri Maha Mariamman Temple.
A. Pidari, 40, said the aid was “special and meaningful”.
She said she and her three children were dependent on her husband, who worked as a waste management contractor.
“This is my first time receiving such assistance and I am so grateful to MAF. This has helped lessen our burden.”