KUCHING: A single mother, Anita Muyang, 34, from Kampung Siol Kandis was all smiles when given opportunity to choose three pairs of cloth donated by Butik Kasih.
She said she intended to buy new Gawai clothes for her two boys.
“The assistance means a lot to me as it helps reduce our burden, especially with the Gawai festival just around the corner,” said Anita who was carrying her nine-month old baby Willyam Augustine.
She added that it did not matter whether she had new clothes but as long as her boys are able to wear nice clothes during Gawai, it was good for her.
“To see my two kids wearing different clothes for Gawai is more than enough,” she said, adding that she does not have enough cash to buy new clothes for herself as she only sells vegetables.
Anita was among 200 destitute families residing in Petra Jaya who received festival aid comprising essential items, clothing, books and financial assistance through the community programme ‘Love Human’ (Kasih Ihsani) organised by Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) Endowment Foundation and Sarawak State Library’s Sports and Recreation Club at the State Library here yesterday.
Another recipient who is also a single mother, Rosilawati, 37, from Kampung Semariang Batu Zon 5, said she was thankful when first time received clothes.
“This is the first time I received such contribution. This aid means a lot to us, especially for my youngest daughter.
“She was really excited when given opportunity to choose free books,” expressed the mother of five children.
Her nine-year-old girl, Nurernieza Tahlia, said she was happy to be able to grab the book as she had to juggled with other children.
“I am glad to get this book before anyone else grab it.
“I had been eyeing the book since I came and I was fortunate because I was sitting near to the booth,” the nine-year-old girl told New Sarawak Tribune when interviewed at the programme.
Heriah Omar, a mother of six from Kampung Lintang said she and her husband felt blessed this Ramadan as the family had been showered with more assistance.
“We definitely feel grateful to Allah for every rezeki (blessing) and fortunate to live in a community who are willing to donate their clothes to us,” she said.
At the function, the needy families were also treated to delicious food during breaking of fast.
The Little Box of Love aids contained basic necessities such as two packets of rice, sugar, salt, cooking oil and foods were handed out by Unimas Pro Chancellor Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang, witnessed by Unimas board of directors, chairman Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Sulong Matjeraie, Unimas vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Mohamad Kadim Suaidi and Sarawak State Library chief executive officer Dr Rashidah Bolhassan.
