| Achong Tanjong |
FORTY-ONE underprivileged students from Pusat Bahagia yesterday went on a Hari Raya shopping trip with employees of Royal Brunei Catering (RBC) at The Mall in Gadong.
The students, comprising orphans and special needs children as well as some from low-income families, got the opportunity to pick their own Hari Raya attire at Nazmi Textile Avenue, BATA store and Utama Grand Department Store.
Zura Hassim, a staff member of RBC, said that the shopping trip was organised as a goodwill gesture for the Pusat Bahagia students, and as a build-up activity leading to the fasting month of Ramadhan – a time of caring, giving and helping others.
“Our mission is to provide these underprivileged students some clothing, shoes and Hari Raya greeting cards from RBC’s management, staff and family,” she said.
Each student was given $200 to do their shopping.
The staff member added that the activity was part of RBC’s Corporate Social Responsibility project – an initiative that aims to bring smiles to the faces of underprivileged students and to show care, love and concern to the special needs community.
The students’ trip will also be aired in a programme on RTB on the first day of Hari Raya.
“This marks the first time this year RBC has brought students from Pusat Bahagia out on a shopping trip,” said Zura.
A shopping trip organised at The Mall in Gadong. – PHOTOS: ACHONG TANJONG
Part of an initiative that aims to bring smiles to the faces of underprivileged students
The underprivileged children of Pusat Bahagia in a group photo with Royal Brunei Catering’s management and staff yesterday
“Last year we did a similar thing as well for less fortunate people, but instead of a shopping trip, we went from house to house to hand out donations.”
The Pusat Bahagia students were also treated to lunch at Seasons Restaurant yesterday.
“We really wanted to make the children happy, as they really needed help,” she added.
Chef Ivor of RBC, meanwhile, said, “We are happy that this small contribution has helped bring joy to the less fortunate children, especially with the upcoming festive celebrations.
“I hope that more of such programmes will be organised in the future.”
Another RBC staff commented, “I’m touched to see the excitement in the students’ faces and how their eyes brightened up when picking clothes that they like.”
Pusat Bahagia’s Principal, Md Nasrullah El-Hakiem bin Haji Mohammed, also expressed his thanks and appreciation to RBC for their efforts in creating for the students a sense of belonging within the community.
“We really appreciate their efforts in organising this programme and encourage other companies to do the same,” he said.
At present, there are 138 students at Pusat Bahagia.
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