KUCHING: Hope Place is known for supporting families around Kuching with food assistance.
The non-governmental organisation (NGO) also extends its services to the sick or disabled individuals with special needs items such as wheelchairs, commode chairs, walking frames and disposable diapers.
Recently, Hope Place provided wheelchairs to two elderly individuals with disabilities who could not afford them.
“The first recipient is Sulaiman Sidek. This 67-year-old man lives in Sg Apong with his wife and three adult children,” according to a statement from Hope Place.
Sulaiman was diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2014. Due to his deteriorating health and asthma, he is unable to walk.
The only income provider for his family is his eldest son, who works at a factory in Bintawa.
“His 19-year-old daughter is unable to work because of a recent diagnosis of a stomach tumour. As a result, Sulaiman’s youngest has to stay home to take care of him.”
The second recipient, Alik Bawong, 52, also has multiple illnesses. Staying with his disabled 20-year-old daughter in Samarahan, they only depend on a monthly aid of RM300 from the social welfare department.
Alik has severe gout, blindness in one eye, diabetes and high blood pressure. Because of his gout, all of Alik’s leg joints and both his legs are swollen.
He holds a person with disabilities (OKU) card while his daughter is mentally challenged.
Both Sulaiman and Alik receive assistance from their families and relatives, and the wheelchairs provided by Hope Place will make a significant difference in their lives.
Hope Place hopes to continue providing wheelchairs and other assistance to marginalised individuals like Sulaiman and Alik.
For more information, Hope Place or Persatuan Kebajikan Harapan Kuching (PKHK) can be reached at 082-505987. Opening hours are from 8am–5pm from Mondays to Fridays and 8am-12pm on Saturdays.
