PETALING JAYA: As a little boy, former film producer Gary Liew helped out at a soup kitchen feeding the homeless in Bukit Nanas.
As an adult he helped establish the Street Feeders Of KL.
He was doing missionary work in Kenya when he realised there were many people back home who needed help.
“It reminded me of the time when I was working in the soup kitchen. I was always feeding the homeless but I never knew where they slept at night,” said the 29-year-old.
Liew and his friends started Street Feeders Of KL in 2011.
He has had his hands full feeding the down-and-out on the streets of Kuala Lumpur since then.
“It’s not just about reaching out to the less fortunate.
“It’s about sharing what we have, even if it’s very little,” said Liew, who is from Subang.
The non-governmental organisation, which feeds those in need every fortnight, now has over 1,000 volunteers and has expanded operations.
“We have volunteers feeding the poor in Petaling Jaya, Seremban, Melaka, Penang, India, South Korea and Ireland,” said Liew.
Liew said he wanted volunteers who would touch the lives of the people they were helping.
“We are living in such a great age where silver screen heroes like The Avengers and Spider-Man are seen saving lives, but in reality, everyone and anyone can be a hero. So, be that hero,” he said.
Liew said his challenge lay with dealing with different kinds of people in the course of his work.
These included individuals, he said, who wanted to generate publicity for themselves by volunteering.
“They do not have the right intention and would rather exploit the homeless, which is very heartbreaking,” he said.
Liew said more people should help create opportunities for the underprivileged.
“We need people to offer jobs to the homeless and a chance for them to change their lives. To me, I think that is more important,” he said.
To know more, visit the Street Feeders Of KL’s Facebook page.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access
Cancel anytime. Ad-free. Unlimited access with perks.
