The Covid-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented hardship and suffering to the poor and underprivileged.
Realising their CSR role to help those affected, Pertubuhan Tindakan Wanita Islam (PERTIWI) Soup Kitchen which feeds 500 to 1,200 people daily, Ismaili CIVIC, Malaysia (ICM) has gifted 200 kilograms of fresh fruits and vegetables and pledged two tonnes from now till 2022.
These fresh produce are the result of a new project initiated by ICM, in commemoration of the Global Ismaili CIVIC Day, which brings together volunteers from the Ismaili community worldwide to serve for the betterment of humanity.
ICM pledges this commitment from its new 600 square foot “edible” garden which was established with a variety of 35 plants, nurturing fresh vegetables and produce to the homeless in Malaysia, regardless of ethnicity or religion.
The garden was birthed in consultation with and drawing from knowledge from its long-standing partner, Kebun-Kebun Bangsar. A further two tonnes will be provided in the coming 12 months.
“We are grateful to our strategic partners Kebun-Kebun Bangsar, PERTIWI and Lighthouse Children Welfare Home for partnering with us to support this endeavour. Founder of Kebun-Kebun Bangsar (Ng Seksan) has been instrumental in providing advice and technical knowledge for us to venture into our own green space. We aim to reflect the value of our community and contribute to building a strong, healthy and environmentally driven civic society for many generations to come,’ said Azmin Saduruddin, Vice President, Council for the Far East.
“Thank you so much for this support. It will lighten our load. We can cook nutritious food for our families and children to enjoy. I am so grateful for this pleasant surprise. Keep up the good work and let us continue to care for the community. You can only do so much alone but together we can improve tremendously what we offer,” expressing her gratitude to Ismaili CIVIC,” said Datuk Munirah Hamid, President of PERTIWI.
To demonstrate appreciation and gratitude to all the frontline medical staff supporting Covid-19 health efforts, ICM distributed packed meals to Penang General Hospital and Sungai Buloh Hospital, two of Malaysia’s key pandemic response hospitals, over the Sept 25-26 weekend.
“Thank you so much for your donation and contribution to our Hospital during these tough times. We really appreciate it from the bottom of our hearts. Stay safe, blessed, and healthy always.Thank you once again.” said Dr. Geeta of Sungai Buloh Hospital.
In addition to the garden, Ismaili CIVIC Malaysia also distributed hygiene kits to Lighthouse Children Welfare Home Association, Kuala Lumpur & Selangor as well as sponsored jars of cookies baked by the children as a way for them to express their gratitude to Pandemic Frontliners.
The inaugural Global Ismaili CVIC Day is an annual signature event of the Ismaili community worldwide. It unites a centuries-old tradition of serving humanity by rendering voluntary service to improve the quality of life of the community’s ethic of civic engagement and good citizenry.
In the region, in countries such as Singapore, Hong Kong and Japan, this initiative is being honoured in a variety of ways including distribution of plants to seniors, frontliners and committing resources for the homeless.
These efforts connect to similar activities in more than 30 countries around the world.
Pertubuhan Tindakan Wanita Islam (PERTIWI) established in 1967 is one of Malaysia’s longest running NGOs, with the support of corporate and individual sponsors. Pertiwi Soup Kitchen project was established to provide regular meals to 500-1200 individuals daily in various locations around Kuala Lumpur.
Kudos to the commendable initiative from PERTIWI and ICM for their timely and wonderful gesture to help the needy.
