JOHOR BAHRU: In the spirit of giving and community during the holy month of Ramadan, Sand and Sandals Desaru Beach Resort & Spa made a heartfelt gesture by hosting a memorable berbuka puasa (break fast) event for underprivileged and special needs children.

This marks a special occasion for 19 children, many of whom were visiting a resort for the very first time.

The children, ranging in age from 6 to 20, were given a warm welcome as they arrived at the beachfront resort, excited for what would be a night of joy and celebration.

The educational institution situated at Jalan Gertak Merah, Johor Bahru, presently accommodates a total of 54 students. Nevertheless, owing to health considerations and safety protocols, only 19 students took part in the Iftar program, with parental consent obtained.

Zariah Ahmad, principal of Sekolah Pendidikan Khas Nur Azelea said, “This initiative exemplifies the power of community collaboration in fostering a positive influence, bringing happiness to these remarkable children during Ramadan.”

She said this initiative represents a crucial advancement in strengthening the bonds between the community and individuals with disabilities, encouraging inclusion, empathy, and the essence of generosity throughout the sacred month of Ramadan.

The resort’s event, themed “Ramadan Blessings,” aimed to provide these children with an experience they may not otherwise have, giving them the opportunity to enjoy the luxury and hospitality of a high-end resort while embracing the values of Ramadan.

The children were overjoyed as they enjoyed the music, and explored the scenic surroundings. As the sun began to set, everyone gathered in the resort’s grand dining hall, where a lavish buffet spread awaited.

The berbuka puasa feast featured a variety of traditional Malay dishes, including nasi briyani, ayam masak merah, kambing bakar, satay, claypot asam pedas along with popular desserts like kuih-muih and dates.

For many of the children, this was their first experience indulging in such an elaborate meal, adding to the excitement of the evening.

The event was made even more special with the presence of local volunteers and staff members from Sand & Sandals Desaru Beach Resort & Spa, who shared the meal with the children and engaged them in warm conversations.

The management of the resort made a significant contribution to the initiative by facilitating transportation for the students to the event and supplying pocket money to guarantee that every child had a valuable experience.

In partnership with the resort, Dash Outdoors was instrumental in coordinating this corporate social responsibility program, ensuring that the occasion was both educational and unforgettable for the children.

Prior to the break fast the children performed their maghrib prayers followed by Isyak and Terawih prayers ensuring the spiritual significance of the evening was honored.

The resort’s director of operations and revenue Lily Lim shared that this initiative was part of their ongoing efforts to give back to the community, especially during significant moments like Ramadan.

She said this Ramadan month is a time of reflection, compassion, and togetherness and the resort is honored to host some very special guests – these wonderful children who are the heart and soul of this event.

Ramadan, she said is a month that reminds us of the importance of caring for one another, of sharing what we have, and of remembering those who are less fortunate.

“It is a time for us to open our hearts and to give back, especially to the children, who represent our future. You are all precious, and it is our duty and honor to ensure you feel loved and cared for, not just tonight, but always,” asserted Lily.

She assured the children that they are never alone as there are people who care about them always, believe in them and want to see them succeed.

“We wanted to create an unforgettable experience for these children, something that brings smiles to their faces and makes them feel cherished. For many of them, it’s their first time at a resort, and we are honored to be a part of such a meaningful moment in their lives,” she added.

In addition to the meal, the resort also distributed duit raya to the children while the teachers accompanying them received goody bags. The children left the resort with beaming smiles and cherished memories.

For the 19 children, this was an unforgettable experience—one that will be etched in their hearts long after Ramadan has ended. As they left the resort, they expressed gratitude for the kindness and generosity shown to them, with many saying they hoped to return someday.

The Resort plans to continue organizing charitable events in the future, with a focus on supporting local communities and enriching the lives of those in need.

Located along the pristine Desaru coastline, Sand & Sandals Desaru Beach Resort is known for its luxurious accommodations, world-class dining, and exceptional hospitality.

The resort prides itself on its commitment to creating unforgettable experiences for all guests while contributing to the local community through various outreach programs.