Hamidi (right) and Dhomnic discussing the work to be done by HCiC. — KKSHAM/The Star
HAMIDI Mookkaiyah Abdullah, 64, has a genuine desire to help others.
His care and concern for the needy is evident as he greets them with a habitual warm smile accompanied with a friendly handshake.
Hamidi’s mission started during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021 when he sent a WhatsApp request to friends for a small contribution of RM20 for the disadvantaged.
“Within three weeks, I received about RM8,000. Some gave RM100 to RM300 each. I was overwhelmed with emotion by their generosity.
“After that, I decided to search for more families in need so I could give them financial aid,” said the former government teacher.
Hamidi easily identified those families who raised white flags while others were referrals.
He then started a non-profit organisation called Hamidi’s Comrades in Charity (HCiC) as people wanted a trustworthy channel to contribute to the needy while a few came forward to help in identifying impoverished families.
“HCiC saw tremendous support as about 80 to 90 in the WhatsApp group were steadfast in their contributions.
“Initially, we gave out food baskets but months later, we decided to give out shopping vouchers instead.
“Our aim was to let the recipients decide for themselves what necessities to buy,” said Hamidi who lectures part-time on sports science and English language at two varsities.
HCiC still posts in the WhatsApp group and sends updates on the contributions received, along with receipts in order to be transparent. It registered with the Registrar of Societies (ROS) in August 2022.
Now its accounts are audited and submitted to ROS.
HCiC has a 17-member committee and Hamidi holds regular meetings to discuss and review the cases of the 80 families receiving aid. Some families whose financial situation has improved, are taken out of the list.
“So far, we have distributed an estimated RM250,000 in the form of food, vouchers and wheelchairs.
“We also held English language classes for students who were impacted by the pandemic,” he said.
HCiC held the classes for 40 students over 10 weeks on Saturdays at SJK(T) Sentosa.
Hamidi’s Comrades in Charity contributed free school uniforms to children (left) and also food baskets to families affected by the pandemic. — Filepic
“HCiC has friends in Ampang and Nilai where contributions are also channelled to the poor.”
Hamidi says his wife Hamidah Deraman, 56, is fully supportive of his volunteerism and acts of charity.
HCiC vice-president Dhomnic Lourdusamy, 72, who served with Port Klang Authority and later at North Port, said the charity group had also been helping the poor pay their medical bills and buy medicines.
“HCiC has also given schoolbags and uniforms to students and during festivals, we gave chickens to families in need.”
Dhomnic, who has two children and three grandchildren, was drawn to HCiC’s work and decided to get involved.
“I find doing volunteer work gives me a sense of well-being,” said Dhomnic, whose wife S. Thanalakshmi, 70, is also supportive of his venture.
“Doing charity work reminds volunteers how blessed we truly are and this is good for our soul,” he added.
Hamidi’s Comrades in Charity contributed free school uniforms to children (left) and also food baskets to families affected by the pandemic. — Filepic Hamidi (right) and Dhomnic discussing the work to be done by HCiC. — KK SHAM/The Star
