Early cheer for longhouse folk
Volunteers endure bee stings to send aid
KUCHING: An early Christmas came in the form of RM45,000 of food and essential goods for 44 poor households from three longhouses in Sri Aman here.
The aid was delivered to the longhouses in Pantu, Menuang and Tubau last weekend by Charity Without Borders.
This year marks the fifth edition of the annual programme started by charitable body Hope Place Kuching in collaboration with the Bintulu 4x4 Club.
The families also received second-hand clothing and new towels, while the children were given toys and other Christmas gifts.
Hope Place Kuching founder Kelvin Wan said more than 200 participants took part in the programme from across the state, meeting up in Sri Aman for the three-day trip which involved 70 four-wheel drive vehicles.
“This year is a bit special as it is the first time we invited veterinarians to take part. We also have dentists from polyclinics in Bintulu, Sri Aman and Pantu, as well as hairstylists who rendered their services to the longhouse folks,” he said.
“We managed to deliver RM45,000 worth of goods including rice, cooking oil, salt, sugar, noodles, biscuits, Milo and oats.”
Villagers received free dental check-ups while the veterinarians attended to household pets and farm animals, Wan added.
“Our trip to the remote villages was not all smooth sailing.
“Three vehicles broke down and bees stung five volunteers at our campsite,” he said.
Hope Place Kuching is an NGO that visits the poor and less fortunate families to contribute essential goods and food.
Currently, the charitable body has more than 180 families on its register and makes deliveries to the needy once every two months.
“Many of these families or individuals barely earn enough to get through the month, so they are grateful for these basic necessities.
“For families with special needs children, the elderly or disabled, we provide milk powder, oats and diapers as well,” Wan said.