Spreading the M’sian spirit of generosity

Low and her daughter Olivia embarked on a mummy-daughter weekend initiative to bring joy to other children. It later became a full fundraising project. — Photo courtesy of Wanderlust + Co

Jenn Low, founder of Malaysian jewellery brand Wanderlust + Co

HAVING two little kids of my own, I experienced how restless the pandemic and lockdowns have made them, as learning for children is largely based on discovery and joyful experiences.

Project Happy Bags started as a personal project with my four-year-old daughter Olivia because I was saddened by the #BenderaPutih movement.

We wanted to send out little bags of happiness, which we hoped would encourage learning and play for children, as an add-on to the food aid delivered by many other Malaysians to those in need.

Each bag costs RM25 and contains a mix of essential items like sanitisers, wet wipes, toothbrushes, toothpaste and reusable masks along with fun items like cookies, cups, cutlery, toys, stationery and books.

We also included colourful hand-written messages with drawings (which we affectionately call Happy Notes), to cheer up other children who were under lockdown.

As I shared details about the project on Instagram, I was pleasantly surprised to receive lots of queries from Malaysians who wanted to help too, including those living overseas.

Within 24 hours, it became a public fundraiser with RM10,000 collected. A total of 400 pledged notes were also sent in, and we were able to reach 400 children and homes with this initial raise.

The amount collected at the end of July reached RM62,000. By that time, we had received a total of 3,500 hand-written notes.

Project Happy Bags has reached families and children far and wide, from struggling refugees and local communities to children from shelter homes and orphanages, as well as children with long-term illnesses in hospitals.

On top of donating 2,400 Happy Bags with Happy Notes attached, 1,008 packets of baby formula milk, 12,320 pieces of diapers and 10,800 pieces of sanitary pads were also distributed to women and families in need, with more to come as the project continues to maximise every donation dollar received.

I started Project Happy Bags because I believe there is still a lot of good out there despite the negative news cycle.

The project’s momentum has really highlighted the Malaysian spirit of giving and generosity.

As a mum myself, I can’t imagine a greater pain than not being able to provide for my children, so I hope that Happy Bags and Happy Notes can offer a source of fun for children, as well as motivation and encouragement for parents who are going through a hard time.