Gunaraj (fifth from right) and Hamidi (sixth from right) with HCIC committee members at SJK(T) Taman Sentosa in Klang.
IN the spirit of Deepavali, a non-profit organisation is spreading goodwill.
Hamidi’s Comrades in Charity (HCIC) has distributed RM150 in cash to less fortunate Indian communities.
Its president Hamidi Mookaiyah Abdullah said in previous years, HCIC distributed supermarket cash vouchers.
“For this Deepavali, we aim to give the families the freedom to decide how to use the money, allowing them to buy whatever they required,” said Hamidi at SJK (T) Taman Sentosa in Klang.
To ensure the funds reached families facing genuine hardship, HCIC thoroughly assessed the recipients’ background and household income.
“Prior to this, most of us were unaware of the recipients’ identities.
“However, we now have the opportunity to meet each individual,” he said.
The pupils attending the school’s tuition programme also received RM10 to celebrate Deepavali.
Additionally, six pupils who maintained perfect attendance in the past weeks were rewarded with an extra RM10 each, as an incentive to continue attending tuition classes.
HCIC is also running a free six-month tuition programme for primary school pupils every Saturday, from 8am to 11.30am.
The programme placed particular emphasis on English, Mathematics and Bahasa Malaysia.
“We hope to transform this initiative into a long-term programme, after evaluating the pupils’ progress,” said Hamidi, adding that the tuition programme is primarily conducted by retired teachers.
“We designed this programme with a focus on Year 4 pupils.
“Due to the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic and the shift to online classes, many of these pupils missed out on mastering the fundamentals and are currently facing difficulties.”
Hamidi said they allocated approximately RM13,000 for their Deepavali mission.
Guest of honour at the aid handover event was Sentosa assemblyman Gunaraj George, who, in his speech, praised HCIC for helping the needy.
Recipients and pupils were treated to vegetarian food at the event.
First-time aid recipient Thava Thenam, 62, who is presently caring for her husband who has a kidney ailment, expressed her gratitude for the aid.
“My children have abandoned my husband and me. We will use this aid to buy necessities.”
Muniamah, a 53-year-old single mother of three who lost a limb in a work-related accident, has been receiving assistance from HCIC for the past two years.
“I am now unemployed and it’s been a challenge to support my children, especially since they are still studying.
“I am grateful to HCIC for providing aid,” she said.
Recipient Balakumaravel, 68, who is in a wheelchair after his legs were amputated due to health issues, said he had been receiving RM200 every two months from HCIC.
Those wishing to contribute to HCIC’s mission can donate via its bank account (CIMB: 8011004760) or call Hamidi (019-277 3856).
