KUCHING: Hope Place Kuching embarked on a heartfelt mission recently, visiting 71-year-old Ng Jiok Chin and her son at their home in Segobang Road, Batu Kawa.
The visit, made possible with the support of generous donors, brought much-needed aid and festive cheer to the family during this Chinese New Year season.
“I can only move around with the help of my walking cane,” Ng shared.
Referred by a concerned volunteer, she is recovering from a severe stroke that left her with weakened legs, making it difficult for her to stand or sit for long periods.
During the visit, a kindhearted woman in her 60s acted as a translator, communicating with Ng in her native Hakka dialect.
Feeling at ease, Ng shared her story of resilience. She revealed she has been a single mother for over three decades, having raised her son alone while running a chicken rice stall.
Ng’s son works in construction and is frequently away in places like Sibu and Bintulu. As a result, Ng is often left to care for herself. She recently fell and injured her hand due to her frailty. Though she has six siblings, they too are elderly and face health challenges.
The family’s living conditions are dire. Their single-storey house is surrounded by overgrown vegetation, accessible only by a narrow dirt road. Inside, the house is sparsely furnished and worn down. With no financial aid, Ng depends entirely on her son’s modest daily wages.
Hope Place has committed to providing Ng and her son with ongoing support, including basic food aid. During the visit, donors also contributed Chinese New Year goodies such as mandarin oranges, soft drinks and festive cookies to brighten their celebrations.
For more information or to contribute, Hope Place (Persatuan Kebajikan Harapan Kuching) can be reached at 082-505987 or 013-5672775.