| Azaraimy HH |
“I’m having the best time of my life,” were the words of a 10-year-old girl as she fished through a massive heap of donated clothes in search of that perfect dress for the upcoming festivities, to which her mother whispered, “Now you will be able to wear proper Raya clothing this year.”
The mother-daughter duo were among the dozens who were given the chance to pick up as many used-clothing as they wish during the ‘Sumbang Dan Bantu’ (Give and Help) event held at Petani Mall.
Jointly-organised by Radio Televisyen Brunei (Tutong Station) and Tutong District Volunteers Group (SUKA), the event was officiated by Acting Tutong District Officer cum SUKA Chairman Haji Adnan bin Haji Adam.
The idea was to invite the public to donate used-but-still-in-good-condition cloth items, and have them directly displayed for recipients to take home. That way, the contributors can see for themselves where their donated clothes are going.
Volunteers and RTB staff were on hand to assist at the event, which ran from morning to noon.
Acting Tutong District Officer cum SUKA Chairman Haji Adnan bin Haji Adam, centre, at the event
A young girl smiles as she pushes a cartful of clothes – PHOTOS: Azaraimy HH
The event undoubtedly brought smiles and cheers to both givers and recipients, demonstrating how a mere day of giving can make a year of difference to many, particularly those of low income and underprivileged brackets of society.
One recipient, Hajah Norhayati binti Tamin, expressed to the Weekend Bulletin her gratitude to the many kind-hearted individuals who had stepped forward in making a donation, saying, “This is the best gift for me.”
“I am very satisfied with the clothing I got today. Thank you so much. I wanted to pick more but I did not bring anything to carry them in… but that’s alright, I already have a lot and they are all beautiful.”
She also thanked the organiser, and hoped a similar event will be held again.
The programme hopes to promote caring attitude towards the underprivileged.
The recipients were selected from a list under the Community Development Department.
The Acting Tutong District Officer noted the programme received positive feedback. He also urged the community to lend their support to similar events, and to make contributions to SUKA to help those in need.
Contribution can be made to the SUKA Office at Jalan Sungai Basong in Tutong.
The post ‘Give and Help’ brings smiles to givers, takers appeared first on Borneo Bulletin Online.