Malaysian designer rallies friends, fans to help out medical frontliners


Rico Rinaldo believes that everyone should spread a little optimism in these trying times.

Fashion designer Rico Rinaldi is raising funds to help healthcare workers at Putrajaya Hospital, Selangor. He found out that the hospital needed help to build emergency modular chalets for the triage of Covid-19 patients.

Frontliners also need basic supplies like rice, cooking oil, flour, eggs and sugar, as well as toiletries. Most of them have family at home, but lack the time to go out to shop or head back to their houses.

Rico said that he made a plea on his social media for assistance and his friends, which includes celebrities and other fashion entrepreneurs responded. Together, they managed to put together some funds to help out.

“We managed to fund four emergency modular chalets. They cost about RM32,200 for one month's usage. The hospital might need to use them beyond that. We also put together enough supplies to help out about 500 frontliners.”

Rico said that moving forward, he is trying to work with NGOs to see how he can further help, as well as get his circle of friends to pitch in and contribute to other hospitals.

“I need more money to help the hospital and the frontliners. I also need to make this campaign bigger, but unfortunately I cannot be using my personal social media account due to some restrictions, ” he explains.

Rico, who runs his business from boutiques in Hartamas, Kuala Lumpur, and Bangi, is known for his bespoke gowns and dresses.

“My message to Malaysians is to stay at home. And spread optimisim among us, as that’s what we all need now," he said.

Done this with Hospital Putrajaya. My next mission is Hospital Sg Buloh. To know more watch my IGTV and DM me on Instagram @thericorinaldi Posted by Rico Rinaldi on Friday, March 20,2020

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