JOHOR BAHRU: It has been Thistle Hotel’s tradition to give support to the underprivileged especially during the month of Ramadan. The hotel recently hosted a breaking of fast event for underprivileged orphans in conjunction with Ramadan.

“We are beyond grateful and happy to be able to spread the joy of Ramadan yet again with those in need. Through our corporate social responsibility programmes, we hope that by sharing our good fortune with the less fortunate, we are able to make the month of blessings and their Syawal more meaningful,” said Thistle Hotel general manager Robert Lee.

“We hope this can bring some happiness and sense of love and belonging to these children,” he said.

The yearly initiative by the hotel aims to give back to society during the Ramadan period and make Ramadan a more cheerful one for the underprivileged community.

As the holy month of Ramadan is a time for reflection on faith, family and greater compassion and kindness towards others, the hotel is humbled and pleased to be able to contribute to the less fortunate and also spread the Raya joy with the needy.

Embracing the spirit of giving and togetherness this Ramadan, Thistle Johor Bahru was honoured to welcome 20 orphans and their caretakers from Rumah Anak-Anak Yatim Shafar to a heartwarming evening of breaking fast with the hotel’s guests and associates at Selera Desa Thistle Ramadan Buffet.

The hotel staff were not only delighted in sharing delicious food with the children but entertained them with fun and games as well. It was a truly joyous occasion filled with love, laughter and meaningful connections.

For a precious few hours, the children were treated to food and entertainment put up for them by the hotel.

The children enjoyed themselves as they tucked into the delicious fare which included local and western delicacies, including appetizers and soups, presented in a mouth-watering array.

The children were hosted by Lee and his staff who served, fed and entertained them.

Lee said the initiative was aimed at reflecting the spirit of charity and alms giving during Ramadan and building a sense of community.

“Every year our hotel welcomes the children of different welfare homes to a breaking of the fast function. We strive to bring a smile to the orphans,” he remarked.

“They are an unfortunate lot but we cannot leave them to their devices. What little we can do, we do because that goes some way towards conveying to them that there are people who think and care for them,” he said.

The children and their guardians were delighted by the hospitality they received. For a few hours they were laved in beatific smiles as they chatted merrily and enjoyed themselves.

Lee observed Ramadan is a time for good deeds. He said the performers of charitable deeds are rewarded by the heartwarming smiles they see on children who enjoyed the delicious buka puasa spread laid for them by the hotel.

Lee described the hosting of the Ramadan buffet at the hotel as an act of empathy on an auspicious season.

Selera Desa Thistle Ramadan Buffet features an extensive spread of Malaysian delights, including signature dishes such as Soup Gear Box, Smoked Biryani Rice, Nasi Arab, Gulai Lemak Itik Salai, and Rendang Tok. Guests can also indulge in highlights such as Whole Lamb Quzi, Gulai Kawah (6 types), Assorted Satay, Durian Goreng, and Fresh Durian Stall.

To enhance the dining experience, guests can enjoy daily live music performances by the Morning Glory band, with emcee Rashid adding to the festive atmosphere. There will also be games, giveaways, and Hari Raya Bazaar stalls selling various products.

Meanwhile, the hotel also joined the Raja Zarith Sofiah of Johor Foundation (YRZSNJ) on their annual “We Care, We Share” food distribution programme, which began in 2022, for the third consecutive year.

Some 150 moreh food packs donated by the hotel were handed over by Lee, to Dawson Yeang, YRZSNJ Corporate Communications Manager at the hotel lobby.

Later, Joshua Wong, the hote’sl Marcom Manager, led the hotel team and assisted by the volunteers from the Malaysian Red Crescent Community Service Committee, conducted a distribution session to the mosque congregation at Program Perumahan Rakyat (PPR) Taman Desa Rakyat Perdana after the Tarawih Prayer.