KUCHING: Widow Rohani Wan Abdullah, 51, now has the opportunity to earn an income to support her family, thanks to charity non-governmental organisation (NGO) Hope Place.
She is the first participating recipient under Hope Place’s latest project called Bundle Project.
The Bundle Project is part of the NGO’s effort of branching into the selling of pre-loved or second-hand items which are donated by the public. Hope Place just opened its second Budget Shop this week.
Under the Bundle Project, recipients are allowed to sell pre-loved clothes to their neighbourhoods at very low prices.
Rohani started this project in March and after more than a month, she managed to make a reasonable profit.
Due to the various issues at home, it is up to her to be the breadwinner for her whole family.
She stays at Kampung Sungai Tapang with her two adult children and three grandchildren. Her elder daughter, who has separated from her husband, suffers from severe depression and has three children to take care of.
Rohani’s younger son is mentally challenged and requires constant care. On top of this, her eldest grandson is also an OKU (person with disabilities) cardholder with a learning disability.
Hope Place started helping Rohani and her family with basic food aid in February last year.
Although she receives financial aid from Baitumal of RM300 per month and her OKU son receives RM300 monthly from the Social Welfare Department (JKM), money always seems to be very tight, what with rent, school supplies, bills, and so on to pay for.
“I feel very excited and happy doing this. I always wanted to have a better life for my family and now my prayers have been answered,” said Rohani emotionally when asked about the Bundle Project.
Hope Place said Rohani was chosen to be the first participant for the Bundle Project as she has experience in selling ‘kuih’ before and understands the fundamentals of doing sales. Nevertheless, the NGO was amazed by her motivation and sheer determination in making this project a success.
She has even gone as far as to ask her cousin’s help with transportation. With a small motorbike, she goes around Kuching selling pre-loved clothes to villages in Samariang, Samarahan, Petra Jaya, and even at the army camp at 8th Mile.
Rohani shared that her dream was to own a shop one day.
This goes to show that sometimes, life is all about second chances and having a positive outlook to be empowered.
For more information, Hope Place or Persatuan Kebajikan Harapan Kuching (PKHK) can be reached at 082-505987. Opening hours are from 8am to 5pm from Monday to Friday and 8am to 12pm on Saturdays.
All donations are welcome and receipts will be given upon request. Donations can be made directly to its Maybank account 511289001160 or by visiting its Facebook page to access its Sarawak Pay QR code.
