KUCHING: The Hope Place Kuching today made a move by reaching out to two elderly persons who were abandoned and living alone. This was part of their efforts to help the B40 underprivileged community.
In a statement today, the non-governmental organisation (NGO) said their representatives made their first visit to one Fatimah Jaafar at Kampung Semerah Padi following a call by a concerned neighbour who told Hope Place about her situation.
“Fatimah, 77, lives alone in a wooden house. Although having high blood pressure, diabetes and visually impaired on one eye, Fatimah still does everything herself.
“She used to be a cleaner until 2010. Her only income is from JKM (Social Welfare Department), which is RM 300 monthly,” said Hope Place in a statement.
The same NGO later visited yet another elderly individual living in Green Road namely one Francis Chong, 76, who has been separated from his wife and children for a very long time.
“Now, Chong rents a dilapidated house with a friend. Upon asking about his past and family, he becomes melancholic and silent.
“He used to sell chicken rice for about 30 years but in 2014, he closed his business for good due to old age.
“Now uncle Chong collects recycled materials for sale whenever he can. He receives JKM aid of RM 500 monthly,” said the statement.
Hope Place is helping both Fatimah and Chong with their basic food aid and other household necessities.
Apart from that Hope Place also currently takes care of 33 individuals who are 60 years and above as well as has been helping the marginalised people in Kuching and its surrounding areas like Samarahan, Bau and Padawan for almost 10 years.
“The NGO would like to thank all public donors out there who continuously contribute and support underprivileged people like these two lonely elderly individuals,” it said.
For more information, Hope Place or Persatuan Kebajikan Harapan Kuching (PKHK) can be reached at 082-505987.
Opening hours are from 8.00 am – 5.00 pm from Mondays till Fridays and 8.00 am – 12.00 pm on Saturdays.
“All donations are welcome and receipts will be given upon request. You can donate directly to our bank account MBB: 511289001160 or go to our Facebook page to get our Sarawak Pay / S PAY GLOBAL QR code,” the statement said.
