MIRI: A local Mirian’s wish to build a new house for his family here was answered when Naim Group of Companies lent him a hand via the group’s ‘Better Homes’ charity project.
Naim’s ‘Better Homes’ project, which is part of the group’s 25th Anniversary Celebration, aims to build houses for selected hardcore poor individuals. It is carried out in collaboration with the Sarawak Welfare Department.
John Away was selected as the first recipient of the project benefit based on an evaluation from a list of potential recipients provided by the department.
It was revealed that he had been working on the house for over a decade but was hampered by financial constraints, increasing age and declining health.
“It has been my dream to provide a brick house for my family, especially my half-paralysed wife. Despite not knowing how to build one, I took the initiative to ask construction workers on how to do the piling and other construction works,” he said.
However, he added that with his increasing age and declining health, John feared that the dream was growing ever more distant.
Fortunately, many came forth to volunteer to help build John’s house including Naim’s chairman Datuk Amar Abdul Hamed Sepawi, managing director Datuk Hasmi Hasnan, board of directors, its staff members and other volunteers.
Aside from the house, Naim also contributed furniture for the house and a wheelchair for John’s wife.
The house was completed and handed over to John recently just in time for Christmas.
“l cannot express my gratitude to Naim for their aid. To see volunteers including Naim’s Datuk Amar Hamed and Datuk Hasmi Hasnan finishing the home we have been dreaming of is very touching to me, I am truly grateful to Naim for this.
“My family and l are now encouraged by this noble gesture to persevere through all the challenges that we may face in the future. I really want to say with faith and perseverance, dreams do really come true! Thank you, Naim!” John remarked.
If anyone happens to know of community members such as John who are in need of assistance, e-mail Tabung Amanah Naim for the attention of Jonathan Wong (jonathansumbang.wong@naim.com.my). Alternatively, Jonathan can be reached at 012-8901913.
