The meeting saw HCIC elect office-bearers for 2024/2026 and hand out aid.
Hamidi’s Comrades in Charity (HCIC) group spread some goodwill during its first biennial general meeting (BGM).
True to its motto of “Charity comes first”, the group served a simple breakfast to 100 people who attended the event at SMK Raja Mahadi at Taman Klang Jaya, Klang in Selangor.
Volunteers from higher education institutions also helped attendees, including senior citizens, register for government aid schemes online.
Prior to the election of office-bearers, HCIC members and guests presented aid in cash and kind to 45 recipients.
Reaching out to the needy was a goal that had inspired the group’s founding during the movement control order.
During that period, part-time lecturer Hamidi Mookkaiah Abdullah started collecting funds from friends to help those struggling financially.
Hamidi, who was elected secretary after previously being HCIC chairman, said cash aid amounting to RM5,100 was given to needy individuals including students, the disabled, sick and poor.
“Aid was given to regular recipients and first-timers too,” he added.
HCIC adviser Datuk AR Peter described Hamidi as an action-oriented person.
Bala Kumaravel (right) receiving his bi-monthly aid from HCIC member Raj Kumar Ramaan.
“He is a good man who does amazing things to help those in need.
“Hamidi has never stopped looking out for the needy, regardless of race and creed, in his quest to help raise funds through his organisation,” he said.
Hamidi said HCIC had raised a substantial amount of money from friends, members and well-wishers nationwide, while aid recipients also came from all around the country.
“We will go all out to find individuals or families requiring aid,” he said.
Besides regular bi-monthly aid, Hamidi revealed that the group also raised funds on a case-by-case basis to help those struck by sudden illnesses or unforeseen events.
“Currently, we are in the process of raising funds in aid of nine-month-old Phoon Yan Toong who needs RM100,000 to undergo heart and lung surgery.
“I’m grateful to all the generous friends and well-wishers for making it happen,” he said.
On future plans, Hamidi said the organisation aimed to aid children struggling in school.
“We are looking forward to collaborating with another organisation to support literacy programmes it has been carrying out for poor kids but without much financial support.
“We feel that we can contribute towards these noble initiatives,” he said.
The BGM also saw HCIC paying tribute to two of its founding members, P. Ramanathan and Dr Sit Shabeshan, both of whom passed away last year.
Ramanathan was the former president of National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP) and held many teaching positions while Dr Sit was a lecturer.
HCIC presented bouquets to the widows of Ramanathan and Dr Sit, who are Saradah Nair and S. Chaladevi respectively, as a gesture of appreciation.
