D. Diana Sabrin (left), 45, and her former schoolmate, radio announcer R. Magendran, 45, showing some of the Indian delicacies and sweets sold at their cafe in Taman Tampoi Indah, Johor Baru.
JOHOR BARU: A group of former primary school friends have banded together by opening a cafe to help a friend in need.
One of them, R. Magendran, 45, said the group of 10 former SJKT Jalan Yahya Awal schoolmates have remained close for the past three decades since their primary school days.
"The idea to open a cafe came about because we want to help the only woman in our group, D. Diana Sabrin, as she has been facing challenges in her business ventures of late.
"We decided to open a cafe together as a way of helping and sharing blessings with her," he said after the shop opening at Jalan Titiwangsa 3/3, Taman Tampoi Indah, Johor Baru on Sunday (Oct 12).
Magendran, who is also a radio announcer, added that he and the eight others have agreed not to take any profit shares in the first two years, to help Diana Sabrin regain her footing.
“We hope this venture will not only support our friend’s livelihood but also become a place that celebrates Indian culture through food and fellowship," he noted.
Meanwhile, 45-year-old Diana Sabrin, who is a mother of three, said she was touched by the goodwill shown by her friends.
She was hesitant at first when they told her their plans of opening a coffee shop to help her.
I told them that I would only accept the idea if all of them agreed to run it together with me.
“I accepted their help in the spirit of friendship.
"When times were tough and my own business was struggling, they were the ones who came forward to help,” she added.
