JOHOR BAHRU: Hotels, private corporations and non-governmental organisations have been busy spreading festive cheer among the less privileged in the state.

With the aim to safeguard and nurture the social and mental well-being of underprivileged students, Pulai Springs Resort employees spent a fun-filled evening with 35 needy students aged between 14 and 17 years from SMK Kangkar Pulai accompanied by their teachers to a Majlis Berbuka Puasa.

Also present was the school’s principal Aziz Musa and his staff.

They were also treated to a lavish and bountiful Buffet ala Bazar at the Gleneagles Terrace Restaurant.

The Ramadan treat is part of the hotel’s corporate social responsibilities (CSR) efforts where they aimed to play a pivotal role in supporting the underprivileged and needy.

The hotel’s department heads spent quality time with the students from the school.

Pulai Springs Resort general manager Sunny Soo said, “The hotel recognises the magnitude role it plays when a child is mentally healthy. A mentally healthy child tends to be happier, show greater motivation to learn and generally have a more positive attitude in life.”

Everyone present was treated to a reminiscent of a kampung feast featuring over 200 mouth-watering dishes and traditional cuisines on its extensive menu.

From Nasi Kandar ala Pulai to an assorted varieties of Shawarma ala Pulai and a variety of luscious cakes, traditional kuihs and ice cream, the students were spoiled for choice with endless food options from the local and international cuisine.

Speaking to the audience, Sunny said, “Our team believes in the spirit of sharing and caring, especially during festive occasions when underprivileged students and children require more love and attention.”

He stressed that the hotel’s primary objective is to remember the less fortunate during this season of giving and sharing, aiming to be an integral part of a joyous festive celebration with them.

He went on to say that this is an annual event and Pulai Springs Resort eagerly anticipates celebrating many more occasions with the underprivileged, sharing the Resort’s success with those less fortunate.

“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.

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

He described the hosting of the Ramadan buffet at the resort as an act of empathy on an auspicious season.

“In the spirit of Ramadan, the Resort is reaching out to the needy, especially with our preparation for the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri through giving out goodies to enrich the lives of beneficiaries while making their Ramadan month more meaningful,” he said.

He said the Resort is delighted to be able to spread the joy of Ramadan yet again with those in need.

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

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

Meanwhile the Resort’s marketing communications manager Charlotte Monteiro said the event was a corporate responsibility initiative to bring cheer to the less fortunate groups.

“Having the students here was a rewarding experience for all of us, especially when we had the opportunity to spread the spirit of Ramadan,” she said.

She said the event was about giving back to society and her team looked forward to more such occasions in future.

“Hosting the Ramadan buffet is one of the ways for us to share our joy and appreciate these students,” she said.

She said that it was an effort to promote the spirit of goodwill and togetherness particularly during the holy month.

“We should not forget to play our part and support the community despite the hectic pace of life, as a small gesture can often make a difference in another’s life,” she added.

Before leaving the students also received duit raya from the Resort’s general manager, Sunny Soo.