KUALA LUMPUR: Each yr, a whole lot of Malaysians unite from all walks of life in a standard mission: to verify everybody can rejoice Hari Raya Aidilfitri in model.
A complete of 250 volunteers gathered on the Federal Territory Mosque on March 23 for the Baju Raya Project, an initiative that collects and distributes 1000’s of conventional Malay outfits comparable to baju kurung and baju Melayu to orphans and single moms.
Volunteering has turn out to be a yearly custom for Khairunnisa Roslan, who has participated on this initiative for the previous 4 years.
“It is one of the methods we may give again to these in want another way. Before this, I’d at all times give donations within the type of money. Now, I contribute through my efforts,” she informed eNM.
Like different volunteers, Khairunnisa arrived on the mosque at 7.45am, prepared for a day of checking garments for high quality, organising them into particular classes and sizes, and folding and packing them into plastic baggage for distribution.
The initiative usually good points momentum at round 10am, as queues of vehicles start to type across the mosque. Volunteers streamline the method by gathering second-hand garments immediately from contributors’ vehicles to mitigate congestion.
Another volunteer, 36-year-old Zuraidah Zaharuddin, stated it was vital that every one Malaysians may rejoice Raya with joy, regardless of background.
“I hope that those that obtain these garments might be as completely satisfied as we’re gathering and organising the garments,” she stated.
By midday, visitors dies down and volunteers begin loading their vehicles with clothes-filled baggage that are distributed to fifteen orphanages round Kuala Lumpur.
Nothing makes volunteer Arsyad Abdul Aziz happier than understanding that folks can profit from his arduous work.
“Although these garments should not new, they’re nonetheless good and in good situation. I’m completely satisfied folks could make use of them,” he stated.
Old garments, new life
Without the tireless efforts of programme organisers Adib Khalid and Aida Sue over the previous 12 years, Baju Raya Project wouldn’t have achieved its success.
Adib, an insurance coverage agent, stated he commits all of his time throughout Ramadan to organising the initiative, pushed by his ardour for the trigger.
He stated regardless of lengthy hours of work processing 5,000 to 7,000 items yearly, the volunteers’ efforts reward them with a way of fulfilment.
A Raya to recollect
Haziq Hakimi, 15, an orphan from Rumah Titian Kaseh who acquired a baju Melayu set, stated his favorite half of the initiative was seeing the orphanage come alive with vibrant colors, as the youngsters placed on their new garments.
“I really feel completely satisfied that persons are giving us garments that we might in any other case not have the ability to afford,” he stated.
Puteri Nurul Fateen Najiha, 17, one other orphan, stated she was grateful she may rejoice Raya this yr feeling and looking trendy.
“I like baju kurung with batik patterns and I acquired loads of these. I hope this initiative will proceed for years to come back,” she stated.
Orphanage warden Haslinda Dol Hamid stated the initiative had helped to alleviate the orphanage’s monetary burdens.
“When folks give us these garments, solely then do the youngsters really feel the festive spirit of Raya,” she stated.
