(From third left) ACP Anbalagan and Khoo handing over goodies to recipient V. Kamala Veni, 63, (left) at the Deepavali hamper giveaway event at Persatuan Penganut Dewa Arulmigu Om Sakthi Muniswarar.
THIRTY underprivileged people received grocery-filled hampers from a non-governmental organisation (NGO) to help them celebrate the Festival of Lights.
The hampers, sponsored by Penang Buddhist Tzu Chi Merits Society Malaysia, were handed over to the recipients at an event held at the Persatuan Penganut Dewa Arulmigu Om Sakthi Muniswarar Hall in Ayer Itam, Penang, over a two-day period.
Tzu Chi Merits Society commissioner Datuk Khoo Boo Leong said a wheelchair was also donated to K. Maniam, 58, whose legs were amputated due to chronic diabetes.
“We donated another wheelchair to the temple committee, which is available for use by any disabled or senior citizen who visits the temple,” he said after handing over the wheelchairs.
Khoo said the society hoped to share in the joy of the celebration with the less fortunate, through their donation.
He said it was important to remember that the needy were members of the community.
Maniam thanked the NGO and temple committee for helping him to get a wheelchair and described it as a timely gift for Deepavali.
“I am very thankful for the new wheelchair and the groceries which will help lighten our burden,” said Maniam who lives with his wife in Ayer Itam.
Among the items in the hampers were potatoes, tomatoes, ginger, onion, garlic, salt, chicken masala, turmeric, cooking oil, spices, green chilli, red chilli, biscuits, juice, muruku mix and a 5kg rice bag.
Temple secretary T. Shanker thanked the society for donating the hampers.
“It is great that the Tzu Chi Merits Society is willing to help us organise the event with its donation of hampers in conjunction with Deepavali,” he said.
He added that the temple committee had been organising the Deepavali hamper giveaway for five years now.
Shanker hopes that other NGOs will be inspired to follow Tzu Chi’s example in helping the poor.
Former Balik Pulau OCPD Asst Comm AA Anbalagan, who is also the temple advisor, was present as guest of honour.
