THE Malaysian Hindu Sangam Bukit Bendera Council (MHSBBC) presented goodie bags and hampers to 30 families at its 7th Charity Hi-Tea With Loving Community held in conjunction with the coming Deepavali celebration at the Caring Society Complex in Jalan Utama today.
MHSBBC chairman A. Tharman said for the first six years, they had given different forms of aid to the B40 group but this year, they decided to help those affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, like those who had lost their jobs or suffered loss of income.
“From the over 1,000 families that we’ve helped before, we shortlisted 30 families this time. We give out groceries and other essentials like flour, sweets and prayer items for their Deepavali preparation. They are worth RM200 for each family,” said Tharman.
“We spent RM50,000 to help needy families with groceries during the movement control order (MCO) period.”
Deepavali falls on Nov 14 this year.
Both Bukit Bendera MP Wong Hon Wai and Pulau Tikus assemblyman Chris Lee Chun Kit, who were among the sponsors present, commended Tharman and his Sangam team for their benevolent effort.
“The Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in the most serious economic crisis since World War II. Unemployment rate is rising,” Wong said in his speech.
“And I would like to thank the organisers for their hard work and concern for the welfare of the people.”
Lee said although this year is a very challenging year, he hopes that Deepavali, being the Festival of Lights, would bring some light or hope to those going through the hard times.
He said he has tremendous respect for Tharman and his organisation for their tireless efforts, whether during Covid-19 or non-Covid, to help the less fortunate.
“We cannot stop working for the welfare of the people of Penang. We must not forget the needy irrespective of race or religion during this challenging period. We’re all Malaysian brothers and sisters,” Lee said.
Among the other organisations or individuals who supported the programme were Hari Krishnan (Penang Island City Council councillor), Mutiara Food Bank, Minnal Family & Fun Club (Datuk Siva Nair), Total Beauty For You Sdn Bhd (Mr & Mrs Gunasegaran), Tesco Tanjung Pinang (general manager B. Deviarajan) and Sivam Catering Sdn Bhd (Suba Paramasivam).
Also present were MHSBBC deputy chairman Thondarmani P. Ambigapathy, MHSBBC welfare bureau chairman R. Sriraj, MHS Penang State Council welfare bureau chairman Moksha and programme secretary S. Sathasivam.
Invited guests as well as the recipients were also treated to songs and classical Indian dances during the ceremony, after which they adjourned for hi-tea.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Chan Kok Kuan