(Standing, from third left) Yam, Bethel Home’s Wan, Alfranko’s sales and marketing director Eric Seow and company representatives at the presentation ceremony in George Town. On the front left is Eden’s Lee.
WITH the Covid-19 pandemic showing no signs of abating, many charitable and welfare homes are still struggling to maintain and look after their residents.
But all is not lost due to the caring attitude of Malaysians, including individuals, non-governmental organisations and private companies.
During a recent event held at a hotel in Gurney Drive, Penang, Kuala Lumpur-based developer Alfranko Development Sdn Bhd presented donations to two charitable homes to support their causes.
The recipients were Bethel Home Nursing Care Centre and Eden Handicap Service Centre.
On hand to receive the items comprising food stuff, face masks, Covid-19 test kits, mattress and other household items were Bethel Home’s manager Wan Lai Choon and Eden Handicap’s training shelter workshop manager Lee Sin Kok.
Eden Handicap general manager Bertie Tye thanked the company for the donation which came at the right time.
Tye said they are taking care of 70 residents at present.
“We are a non-profit charitable organisation dedicated to care for individuals of various disabilities.
“Every month, our expenses range between RM70,000 and RM90,000, including rental, staff wages and utilities,” he said, adding that besides cash donations, they also welcomed contributions in terms of groceries and electrical appliances.
The centre was started in 1991 to help the disabled come to terms with their disabilities, to engage them in fellowship with other disabled and able-bodied friends, and to provide adequate training to place them in suitable jobs.Tye said the centre focused on the physically and mentally challenged children and young adults from diverse backgrounds, regardless of race and religion.
Over at Bethel Home, most of the residents have health conditions and limited mobility.
The centre welcomes contributions in cash and kind to lessen its burden and operation costs.
Separately, Alfranko Develop-ment sales and marketing manager Jonathan Yam said the contributions were part of the company’s annual corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
“Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we have to scale down our CSR efforts and other community related programmes.
“Now with the gradual reopening of the country’s economic sectors and international borders, our management decided to continue assisting the needy and underprivileged groups and give something back to the society,” he said.
Yam said the company had set aside some funds and would identify more charitable organisations and welfare homes, starting with two such establishments in Penang based on feedback from the local community.
“Our company’s philosophy is to create a sustainable future by preserving the environment, be a responsible corporate citizen and play a pro-active role in the development of a better society and economy for the future generations,” he said.
He also urged more private firms and individuals to continue doing good deeds and provide much needed assistance during trying times to benefit the less fortunate and deserving.
Alfranko Group has a flagship development on a prime piece of land along Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur.
Known as Novo Reserve Kuala Lumpur, it is an exclusive lifestyle condominium, targeting young professionals and property investors, both locally and overseas.
