KUALA LUMPUR: The Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations this year were significant as OSK Foundation marked a decade of its signature “Gifts of Hope” programme, which has reached nearly 30,000 vulnerable individuals in its journey.
“Gifts of Hope” has travelled the length of Peninsular Malaysia, weaving its way through communities, guided by the belief that no effort is too small and no one should be left behind.
Since its inception, the initiative has served as a consistent bridge between the foundation and vulnerable populations.
Over the past ten years, “Gifts of Hope” has channelled over RM440,000 towards welfare homes and underprivileged groups across the nation.
"It is hard to put into words what it means to be remembered, year after year. Our home feels so different when Raya comes around and we are so grateful that we are still being looked after,” shared a long-time beneficiary who preferred to be anonymous.
"When Raya approaches and we wonder if we would be able to celebrate, the OSK Foundation arrives. Running a welfare home during the festivities can be tough, as you want to offer so much but have so little to give.
“We are always grateful, knowing that our residents would not just have a meal, but a celebration filled with the dignity and joy they deserve.”
Reflecting on the milestone, OSK Foundation chief executive officer Cheryl Ong said the programme’s longevity is a testament to the foundation’s steady commitment to supporting underserved communities.
“When we first launched ‘Gifts of Hope’ a decade ago, it was with the simple realisation that while festive seasons are times of joy for many, they can be incredibly taxing for those managing welfare homes.
“We wanted to ensure that these homes were not overlooked during these periods,” said Ong.
“Over the last ten years, we have had the privilege of understanding the unique challenges faced by different communities. Our goal remains the same: to ease that burden so that residents can celebrate occasions not just Hari Raya but also Chinese New Year, Deepavali and Christmas with the comfort, dignity, and peace of mind they deserve.”
For this year’s Hari Raya season, OSK Foundation channelled RM21,150 to benefit over 180 individuals across seven organisations in Kuantan, Melaka, Seremban, Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Penang and Kedah.
The “Gifts of Hope” initiative places equal emphasis on both basic necessities and the festive experience, extending its outreach beyond the pantry to include new Raya attire and seasonal treats that help revive the spirit of the celebration.
Beyond providing festive necessities such as new Raya attire and seasonal treats, the programme also addresses long-term practical needs.
This year, the foundation also focused on improving daily living conditions. Replacing worn-out bedding with new mattresses improved residents' daily comfort, particularly for those with physical disabilities or mobility issues, thereby supporting their overall well-being.
“The beds we had were worn out and since the occupants are disabled, having proper beds and mattresses makes a big difference to their daily comfort”, said a representative from Pertubuhan Kebajikan Darul Aitam, Melaka, who was among the beneficiaries.
“The joy on their faces when they felt the new mattress was a sight to behold after coping with worn-out beds for so long. Support like this helps us provide a better environment while easing the everyday expenses we manage as a home, especially as we prepare to celebrate Hari Raya together.”
The true evolution of Gifts of Hope is reflected in the culture of volunteerism it has nurtured within the group, where giving goes beyond contribution to becoming a shared experience of presence and connection. This spirit of outreach has extended to communities on the city’s fringes, as OSK volunteers partnered with “Feeding the Needy” to distribute iftar meals, festive packages and daily essentials to 310 individuals in the Chow Kit area.
For those on the frontline, the experience provided a profound and sobering perspective on the impact of presence.
“The environment they call home is far from comfortable, yet their smiles show just how meaningful even small acts of kindness can be,” shared one volunteer.
“While many of us have the privilege of choosing what we eat, they are usually at the mercy of whatever help comes their way. This is one of the few opportunities each year to step forward, choose their essentials and gather the help they need. In a life with so few options, having that choice is everything.”
As the programme enters its next decade, it continues to unite OSK employees in a shared mission to support vulnerable communities during festive seasons.
