Hope Place channels food aid, household necessities to needy octogenarian
KUCHING: An 83-year-old man has approached Hope Place Kuching, requesting for food aid to help him make ends meet.
Kong Yau Phen resides alone in Batu Kawa with neither income nor savings, according to Hope Place in a press release issued yesterday.
“Uncle Kong used to sell fruits with his wife in Kuching but his wife suffered a severe stroke at the end of last year and became bedridden.
“Now, Uncle Kong’s wife, 77, is staying in a nursing home. According to him, he has a married daughter who is living outside of Kuching. He told Hope Place that he has lost contact with his daughter, who has never come back to see him or his wife,” said Hope Place.
It is learnt that Kong’s younger brother often visits him.
Hope Place said Kong’s brother would bring him out for breakfast, and would sometimes get him some food supplies and give him pocket money as well.
“Grateful for his brother’s care and concern, Uncle Kong tries to make do with whatever money he has. More often than not, he eats just instant noodles for weeks,” it added.
Kong, described as a friendly but lonely person, has shared many of his stories with Hope Place.
He has revealed that his three dogs are his only companion these days.
“Sometimes, Uncle Kong would go to nearby shops and talk to people such as security guards and shop assistants. Hope Place is supplying Uncle Kong with regular food supplies and other household necessities,” it added.
Hope Place welcomes all donations and receipts will be given upon request.
Individuals can donate directly to Hope Place’s Maybank account (511289001160) or go to its Facebook page for the Sarawak Pay/S Pay Global QR code.
The non-governmental organisation opens from 8am to 5pm on weekdays, and from 8am to noon on Saturdays.
For more information, call Hope Place on 082-505 987.