Local NGOs join hands to bring year-end cheer to underprivileged folk
KUCHING: Sixteen underprivileged children and nine needy families received assistance from two local nongovernmental organisations (NGOs).
The Malaysian Chinese Muslim Association ( Macma) Sarawak branch collaborated with Yayasan Yara and Gracious Giving Charitable Movement in running the ‘ Winter Solstice Festival’ and ‘Back to School 2019’ event at Macma Sarawak office recently in Satok Parade here on Saturday.
According to Sarawak Macma chairman Mohammad Tony Ong Abdullah, RM5,350 was distributed to the recipients during the event. Gracious Giving Charitable Movement was represented by its founder Noor Hartini Hamdan.
The organisers also handed out colourful ‘ tangyuan’ (glutinous rice balls) to Macma members, guests, representatives of local mosques and suraus, as well as passers-by as the event coincide with ‘Dongzhi’ festival.
“Being Chinese Muslims, we still celebrate Chinese cultural events such as the Chinese New Year, Dumpling Festival, Mooncake Festival and Winter Solstice Festival,” said Ong.
In her remarks, Noor Hartini said her NGO provides back- to- school assistance for children from low-income families of various racial and religious backgrounds.
She said it was the movement’s fifth year contributing school supplies to underprivileged children.
“This year, over 20 needy children from various schools in Kuching and Samarahan divisions received assistance that included backpacks, school uniforms, shoes and other supplies,” said Noor Hartini.