JOHOR BAHRU: SMJ Teratai Sdn Bhd continues to give generously to the less privileged despite a less than a rosy economy.

SMJ Teratai Sdn Bhd was proud to host its Blossom of Hope: Chinese New Year (CNY) Charity Drive driven by love and empathy bringing fondness and compassion initiated by the staff and directors to support 86 families of all races.

This year, as part of the company’s annual Chinese New Year donation, senior citizens, single mothers and the aged from PPR Sri Stulang and Iskandar Flats received a fortune bag which contained cookies, rice, mandarin oranges and other items for CNY.

Stella Yong, chief operating officer said she wants to fulfill the company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) by giving something back to society. She hopes that the handing over of foodstuff and ‘ang pows’ will be beneficial to the recipients, especially during challenging times due to the higher cost of goods and services.

“Hopefully, this small token will bring some cheers to the recipients to celebrate the festive season in a more meaningful manner and lessen their financial burden,” she remarked.

She stressed that they hope to make this an annual affair and carry out similar initiatives during other major festivities.

Earlier today, Yong and her staff arrived at the Iskandar Flats to deliver the foodstuff and ‘ang pow’ to the 86 penurious families. She was also joined by Joe Pua, the programme chairman cum manager.

Yong said the programme could also foster closer rapport among the people and inculcate a spirit of togetherness and caring for the less fortunate in society.

She also pointed out that today’s initiatives undertaken by SMJ Teratai Sdn Bhd for major festive seasons to reach out and support the needy.

“Through these CSR programmes, we aim to instil awareness on the need to care for senior citizens and single mothers with love, moral and financial support,” said Yong.

Helping others, she said should come naturally. It shouldn’t be a question of “why should I do it.” but ‘how can I do it.”

She went on to say that some people are less fortunate; life is not kind to all of us. While you might be lucky enough to live a comfortable life, others don’t have a roof over their head or food to put on the table.

“You won’t be able to help everyone in need, but your gesture, no matter how small, will definitely make a difference,” she elaborated.

Not mincing her words, she said their aim here today is to extend warmth and care to needy families and individuals of all races ahead of the Lunar New Year celebration.

Yong and her team besides distributing the foodstuff also spent some time mingling with the residents enquiring about their well-being and health.

“Although, currently the economy is still not so encouraging, we nonetheless think that we could do our best within our reach, to care for the needy and underprivileged groups in our community,” she said.

While sauntering among the residents, she said the needy need to actively participate in the event, to experience an early and joyful celebration of the Chinese New Year.

The company over the years has been organizing a number of charitable events.

The employees of the company participated in fundraising endeavours and a number of charitable projects.

“To encourage and amplify our efforts, we matched our monthly donations on a 1:1 basis. This practice not only inspires our employees to contribute to meaningful causes but also showcases our commitment to social responsibility.

She said the company has focused on five main themes: food aid, clean water aid, empowering education, festival assistance and disaster relief.

“We aim to address immediate needs within our community while fostering long-term solutions that create lasting positive change.

“By engaging in charity events and collaborating with NGOs, we extend a helping hand to those in need and strive to strengthen the bond between our employees and our company,” she added.

All these were in line with the company’s CSR culture in support of the government’s aspiration of creating a ‘caring society’ in Malaysia, besides promoting the noble Chinese culture of ‘filial piety’ and respect for the elderly and poor.

“The contribution is a nice gesture by the company to contribute to us elderly as every bit helps lessen our burden during Chinese New Year preparations,” said, Yeo Mui Gek,60.

She said she will be celebrating the Chinese New Year all by herself as she is still single and jobless.

“I am indeed grateful to SMJ Teratai Sdn Bhd for their kind gesture,” she said with a smile.

Another recipient Saraswathy Cheleppan,72, said the items provided will definitely lessen her load.

“The ‘ang pow’ was indeed a surprise as I did not expect to receive any cash aid but I thank the company for their kind deed,” she said.