Deliveryman among those chosen for CSR initiative
JOHOR BARU: Deepavali has become a quieter affair for single father N. Rajendran since his wife died of lung cancer nine years ago, but the 48-year-old remains determined to keep the festive spirit alive for his three children.
His wife died about two months after giving birth to their youngest daughter, leaving him to raise the children on his own.
“My family is now facing another challenge, as my second son, Jeevaa Chandraan, 12, has been diagnosed with nose cancer.
“He takes medication regularly and needs close monitoring as he cannot exert himself too much,” he said.
Adding to the family’s difficulties, Rajendran recently lost his job as a deliveryman after the dessert supply company he worked for ceased operations.
He now relies on p-hailing deliveries to make ends meet but worries about whether his ageing car can keep up with the demands of the job.
Still, he remains determined to give his children opportunities to pursue their interests, particularly their love for music.
“The two younger ones are interested in learning the piano, but I cannot afford the RM50 monthly fee for lessons offered at their primary school. Computer classes, which cost RM100 a month, are also beyond our means.
“I tell my children to study hard and do their best because they have to study on their own. Tuition classes are also too expensive for us,” he said.
His eldest child is currently pursuing an information technology course at a polytechnic.
Rajendran hopes to secure a permanent job soon to improve the family’s situation.
He is grateful that the family was selected to receive new festive clothes through a programme organised by SWM Environment Sdn Bhd in collaboration with the office of Johor unity, heritage and culture committee chairman P. Pannir Selvam, who is also the Perling assemblyman.
SWM Environment corporate general manager Mohd Norlisam Mohd Nordin said the family was among about 35 children and parents participating in the programme at Taman Tampoi Indah.
He said the corporate social responsibility initiative aimed to bring festive cheer to underprivileged families, orphans and those living with chronic illnesses within the company’s service areas.
