JOHOR BAHRU – Embracing the spirit of sharing and giving OCBC Bank Johor Bahru has put a smile on the faces of the Cheshire Home residents here recently.

They came bearing gifts, the best of which were solar-powered water heaters worth RM20,000, so that the senior citizen residents could have the convenience of hot water showers.

The bank’s employees and the volunteers also spent time with the residents, chatting, sharing financial literacy tips and having meals together.

The bank’s Johor Bahru branch also brought some basic necessities and food for the residents.

The residents were entertained by singing performances from the staff of OCBC and volunteers who sang songs like Rasa Sayang, Baby Shark and Gangnam Style.

OCBC Johor Bahru branch senior manager Fiona Gan Huei Chin said the programme embodied compassion and solidarity.

She also reminded those present that the journey towards a more equitable society would require continuous effort and collaboration.

“Let us embrace empathy and kindness so that together, we can help uplift our community,” she remarked.

According to Fiona, they are looking for ways to increase the bank’s involvement in the localities in which they operate. “This is our way of bringing us even closer to the community.”

She stressed that the sponsorship of solar panels for the Cheshire Home is to show their commitment of going beyond providing superior banking products and services.

“Donating the solar water heater also aligns with OCBCs Environmental Social Governance (ESG) values as it is more environmental friendly.

“We are aware that many people are still a little weighed down by the social and economic after-effects of the global pandemic, so we wanted to reach out and support, particularly those who have been deeply affected during the past few years,” she said.

She also stressed that a comfortable environment is indeed vital to the well-being of the elderly.

The president of the home Dr. Ng Ben Chuan said the support provided to the home was a timely blessing not just in the form of the solar-powered heaters but also the financial literacy sharing.

He added that many of them suffer from ailments that make warm water showers a necessity, adding that “the solar powered heaters came in very handy.”

Meanwhile president of the Rotary Club of Johor Baru (RCJB) Dr. Vishwadeep Sandhu said the Club is honoured to be part of this collaboration with OCBC Bank.

“The provision of solar water heaters for the Cheshire Home is indeed a noble effort and I am sure the residents of the home will appreciate having warm water to bathe daily.

Solar heating will also assist in keeping the electricity bills low in the future as the cost of energy rises,” Dr Vishwadeep said.

He added that the solar panels will allow the Cheshire Home to save up to 85 per cent on electricity bill for heating water.

The home was established by the late Sir Leonard Cheshire 63 years ago and it is the oldest Cheshire home in Malaysia ,initiated by His Highness the late Sultan Sir Ibrahim and Her Highness, the late Sultanah Marcella.

Most of the residents are physically disabled and a handful are mentally challenged. The monthly operating cost ranges from RM30,000 – 35,000.