PENANG: Wawasan Open University (WOU) handed out parcels of foods, beverages and necessities, contributed by staff, to five single parents in an effort to alleviate their burden and add to their festive cheer.
In a simple ceremony held at the main campus today, WOU Public and Student Relations Director Grace Lau Pee Hoay presented the provisions to the recipients, who are single mothers registered with Persatuan Kebajikan Asas Pulau Pinang (PKAPP) under its Women Empowerment Bureau and Welfare Aid division.
The single mothers are Jummah Bee Mohd Ali, 58, from Taman Nusantara, George Town; Salmah Mohd Iqbal, 46, from Sungai Nibong; Suraiyah K. Hussain, 51, from Bandar Baru Ayer Itam; Mariam Abdullah, 60, from Rifle Range, Ayer Itam; and Selahar Bee S.M. Syed, 60, from River Road, George Town.
They each received flour, cooking oil, rice, sugar, cereals, biscuits, beverages, evaporated milk, dry noodles, canned foods and other provisions, along with laundry detergents, bathing soaps, shower gels and toothpastes.
The University, through the Public and Student Relations Department, had launched a Ramadhan charity project themed ‘The reward of giving Sadaqah’ from May 6th to 21st. Staff and students were encouraged to drop off their contributions during this period.
According to Lau, the project was part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) to reach out to the less fortunate in society during major festivals. “We want to remember the single parents in our community, especially those who find it hard to make ends meet. We hope, in our own small way, we are able to contribute and make a positive difference in their lives so that they can cheerfully celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri this year.”
Following the presentation ceremony, the guests and recipients were treated to a simple berbuka puasa dinner with the staff of WOU.
Among those who attended the event were the PKAPP patron Dato’ Shahul Hamid Abdul Kadir and founder/president Alagesan Ayaru, and President of Persatuan Kemajuan Wanita Pulau Pinang, Fatimah Kader.