| Lyna Mohamad |
SIXTY-FIVE sacks of fragrant rice will be distributed to the needy for the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration as part of a group of youth’s ‘Rice Charity Project’.
One of the project participants, Syifa Aliyah, said she and her fellow project mates conceived the idea six years ago out of an urge to do charity and dedicate the blessings of their deeds to their dearly departed family members.
“We thought of donating rice as it is a basic necessity. This will help the recipients to sustain themselves and save costs on food, or to prepare food to serve their guests during Hari Raya, or start a business to help them get out of the cycle of poverty,” he said.
“We hope to continue carrying out this good cause and make it more engaging for the local communities by incorporating more activities, such as Iftar with orphans in our villages,” said Md Aziman bin Haji Jamil, another project member.
“Ramadhan is also a time for us to encourage family and friends to carry out good deeds. The donors of the rice are our family members and friends.”
The group obtained the assistance of local non-governmental organisations (NGOs) such as Bina Ukhwah Project, and the UBD Guild Alumni Association to distribute the items to underprivileged families, as these organisations have experience in holding Ramadhan charity drives and reach-out programmes.
Of the 65 sacks of rice, 31 were packed individually into one kg plastic packs and distributed to underprivileged individuals, foreign workers and hard labourers, as well as Tarawikh congregants and Tedarus participants in the Brunei-Muara District. Four sacks were handed over to the Kampong Delima Satu Village Consultative Council for distribution to families in need.
The remaining 30 sacks were handed over to Bina Ukhwah Project for their ‘Jelajah Ramadhan Project’. The group aims to promote and create better and safer living environments for underprivileged families.
Syifa also expressed her thanks and appreciation to everyone who had contributed to the smooth running of the annual project.