JOHOR BARU: Grandfather Hu Nai Tew eats alone almost every day. He has been living by himself in Permas Jaya since the death of his wife after a stroke some 10 years ago.
So, he is really looking forward to enjoying a good feast with his family – especially his grandchildren – during their Chinese New Year eve reunion dinner today.
“I have three children, two boys and one girl – they have all grown up and have since moved out from the house to start their own careers and families,” the 76-year-old retiree said.
“They have given me six adorable grandchildren and I cannot wait to see all of them during the Chinese New Year celebrations,” he added.
Hu was among 30 less fortunate people who received vouchers from hypermarket Econsave Cash and Carry Sdn Bhd in conjunction with the festive season at its Permas Jaya outlet here last Sunday.
He added that his two sons have houses in Johor Baru, and they frequently visit him, but his daughter married a Singaporean and lives in the island republic.
“Despite living alone, I always keep myself busy with daily morning exercise at a nearby park with friends and I clean my house at least three times a week.
“I am very happy that my family will be with me during Chinese New Year – we are going to have a feast at our favourite restaurant,” he said.
Another recipient Chang Poh Tian, 59, said she was very grateful for the aid as it would help her welcome the new year.
“I will be celebrating this year’s Chinese New Year in a very small way because my brother’s health is not that good after he fell from a tree at our house recently.
“This is the first time that I have received aid for Chinese New Year, which would help to partly ease the financial burden for my family to welcome the new year, while taking care of my brother,” she said.
Econsave Cash and Carry general manager Mas Imran Adam said each of the recipients received RM200 worth of vouchers for them to buy groceries.
“The selection of necessities can be made by the recipients themselves at Econsave hypermarkets using the voucher we have given them.
“In conjunction with the Chinese New Year, we are also targeting some 300 families to help make it a more memorable experience for them this festive season,” he said.
