THE Brunei Council on Social Welfare (MKM) recently hosted an iftar (breaking of fast) for the orphans and needy children from Rumah Amal Anak Kesayangan Kami (RAAK), which is a Miri-based charity house that brings together orphans, needy children and those from broken families.
There are currently 15 boys and 15 girls, ranging from six to 18 years old, staying there.
Before the iftar, MKM members took the children Hari Raya shopping at the Imperial and Permy Mall in Miri.
A team of 20 MKM members were there to help children choose and buy their Hari Raya attire in hopes of enlivening the spirits of these children during the Holy Month of Ramadhan and in preparation for Hari Raya.
“This is the first time we are doing it in Miri. Previously we have invited the children from RAAK to Brunei and hosted them through a homestay programme. The visit to Miri gave many of us a chance to meet up again with the children we hosted about two years ago,” said Hamidah Lakem, MKM Secretary.
The expenses for the shopping were donated by a benefactor from Brunei who specifically donated the money to fund the children from RAAK.
Some of the orphans in a group photo during a shopping outing. – BRUNEI COUNCIL ON SOCIAL WEL-FARE
MKM started off their shopping spree with the children at 11am. The boys were bought two Cara Melayu, shirts, a pair of shoes and flip-flops and a backpack for school.
The girls were bought two sets of Raya clothing with two matching tudongs and two pairs of Hari Raya shoes.
The children were very enthusiastic in choosing their own clothes and were very grateful for the opportunity.
During iftar, donations were given to all 30 RAAK children that came with MKM, and three individuals from Brunei.
“The Holy Month of Ramadhan has always been a busy month for MKM for the last couple of years as we normally receive many requests from generous individuals and fidyah payments to assist them to donate to the needy. We are honoured to have been entrusted with such responsibilities. I must say, all our EXCO (executive committee) and active members carry them with pride and dedication. The association might be small but the members have big hearts,” said Datin Paduka Hajah Intan binti Haji Mohd Kassim, MKM’s President.
Hamidah Lakem also expressed her gratitude on behalf of MKM to all the generous well-wishers for their very generous contributions. MKM will happily carry on with all these activities.
“We hope to see the younger generations join our force so that they will be able to take over what we have been doing,” she added.
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