By Vincent D’Silva

JOHOR BARU: The Rotary Club of Johor Baru (RCJB) brought joy to some 30 needy families residing at the Sri Stulang People’s Housing Project (PPR) here recently.

The charity drive known as ‘Food Aid 2.0’ was to bring relief to families currently struggling to live.

The families comprise various races who are in dire need of help received food ration and cash aid.

RCJB president Henry Chin and his officers handed over the cash and rations to these families so they could use it daily. Also present was state assemblyman for Stulang Andrew Chen.

“We realise that due to the pandemic two years ago many are still without employment or may have lost their jobs,” said Henry.

“Many city folk with house and car payment to meet have lost their jobs,” he lamented.

He went on to say some may look fine but are actually struggling financially.

Henry said the packs of rations handed out include oil, rice, milk, sardines, eggs, noodles, Milo and biscuits.

“We realise that many of them are elderly and may have no jobs, or facing health problems, either way,. there is an increase in urban poverty,” he stressed.

Henry pointed out that the club decided to assist these families, regardless of their background.

“Our club aims to reduce the financial burden on these families and spread happiness within the community,” he said.

He said the club has other programmes in the pipeline to help those in need and this would be an ongoing initiative.

The recipients said they were grateful for the donation and hoped it would help reduce their burden.

Earlier, Andrew in his address said it was nice to note that RCJB taking the initiative to assist the needy in this area.

He also praised RCJB for an inspiring work at a time when many families need help.

Andrew urged those receiving aid to use them wisely and not spend unnecessarily.

He believes this insignificant gesture will leave a smile on the recipients faces and their families.

“I know when they (the RCJB) give, it comes from the heart and provide a positive impact on their lives,” he added.

RCJB, a service organisation, aims to bring together business and professional leaders to provide humanitarian services, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace.

Captions:

An elderly lady receiving rations and cash aid from Henry Chin (second from right)