Celebrities to join YDKMM’s Syrian humanitarian mission
BANGI: The Malaysian Muslim Welfare Fund Foundation (YDKMM) had appointed two celebrities as icons for its winter humanitarian mission to Syria in January next year.
Television host Hazeman Huzir and actress Nurul Hidayah Mohd Amin, or famously known as Ardell Aryana, will join the mission apart from helping the foundation raise RM500,000 for the refugees.
YDKMM chief of operations Mohammad Farizzal Rostam said the two celebrities with mass followers on social media were among nine people who would embark on the two-week mission beginning on Jan 8.
“By joining the mission and embracing a more meaningful lifestyle, the celebrities are also spreading positive influence among their fans, especially the younger generation,” he said yesterday.
Present were YDKMM international public relations officer Siti Nabihah Zakaria and Hazeman, who is known as Haze among his followers.
The aid would be distributed to the refugees in the form of food baskets and winter clothing delivered in a package described as a “Box of Happiness”.
The team from YDKMM would be assisted by Hayrat Yardim, which is a non-governmental organisation based in Turkey with vast experience in helping refugees in Syria.
“Our team will move around in Syria with representatives from Hayrat Yardim during the winter humanitarian mission.
“Apart from establishing a standard operating procedure, the foundation is in close touch with the Malaysian Embassy in Turkey to ensure the success of our mission and the safety of our team,” he said, adding that those involved in the mission would be undergoing medical checks two weeks prior to departure.
“Those living there know what to wear to prevent hypothermia. That is why we are collecting donations instead of getting second-hand clothing businesses to sponsor us.”
Haze is also known for his work with the Food For Hunger Organisation. He is expected to join YDKMM for an awareness session on the woes of refugees in Syria at Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia on Dec 3.
“This will be an eye-opening experience not only for me but also followers of my social media accounts. I hope to give a new perspective to my followers.
“I will do my best to share with them my experience during the mission through my Instagram account and YouTube channel.”
Nabihah said the foundation hoped to raise the funds and transfer the money in stages to Hayrat Yardim beginning Dec 31.
“Hayrat Yardim will help buy the goods for YDKMM. For transparency, Hayrat Yardim will also provide a financial report on the expenses incurred,” she said, adding that individuals wishing to contribute could do so by visiting the foundation’s website at ydkmm.com.my.