Generous couple: Vimalan and Vimala attending to a group of children having their meal at Crystal Family Home in Medan Goh Guan Ho, George Town. — LIM BENG TATT/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: When C. Vimalan donated to the homeless in Komtar last year, umbrellas and blankets were part of the contributions as it was the northeast monsoon season back then.
During the recent Fathers Day celebration, he surprised residents of a nursing home with the King of Fruits as it was the durian season.
Such was his thoughtful approach when carrying out charity work throughout the years.
“Since I have been doing this in my own capacity, I would ensure that whatever given would be different and better than what the recipients have been getting.
“I feel blessed to give than to receive. Doing charity is my passion and fulfilling the needs of the underprivileged is a good thing to do.
“It gives me real satisfaction, especially when you see them smile,” said the 41-year-old private tutor.
Over the last 15 years, Vimalan has been giving out daily essentials and meals to thousands of less fortunate people.
It all began when he was working at a nursing home while pursuing law studies in England.
“There, I realised a small gesture like spending time talking to the residents could actually bring them so much joy.
“After returning to Malaysia, I became a tutor and started providing for the underprivileged. I hope my efforts would inspire others to do the same,” he said.
On average, Vimalan spends about RM1,000 monthly on charity.
The amount could be more if there were special or emergency cases.
He would visit two charitable homes a week and organise additional visits during special occasions.
Among the most frequented homes were Naam Nursing Home, Peace Children Care Centre and St Nicholas’ Home.
He would also deliver food to the homeless on the street once a week, mostly in George Town areas.
Vimalan also visits Penang Hospital regularly to look out for patients in need of aid.
“I provide them briyani meals with dishes like meat and vegetable, something different from food they receive daily.
“I would also buy them groceries and give them cash aid, depending on their needs.
“Sometimes, I arrange fast food meals if the recipients are children,” said Vimalan, who spent his birthday with the children of Crystal Family Home in Taman Goh Guan Ho here on June 2.
Vimalan said during the lockdown, he and his wife S. Vimala, 41, had to cook at home before delivering the food to poor families.
“When people were not allowed to leave home, we delivered food and groceries to them.
“We reached out to the lower- income people living in flats and delivered food from door to door, especially to the elderly and sick.
“We are lucky to have received help from representatives of non-governmental organisations who assisted to apply for permits.
“That allowed us to pass through roadblocks during the various movement control orders,” said Vimalan, who thanked his wife for her understanding and support.
He is not just helping those from Penang.
When Selangor was hit by flash floods, Vimalan also delivered cash, clothes and food in two trucks to those affected.
In 2020, he helped to set up a mini library for a rural Tamil school in Baling.
He collected books that were donated by well wishers and forked out about RM1,500 to buy workbooks for the pupils.
“It’s a small school where many pupils are from poor or broken families.
“There were very little choices of books in Tamil, so I had to contact a publisher and source the books directly from them.
“Education is important to improve their living standards,” said Vimalan.
The couple is expecting their first child in September.
