The Covid-19 pandemic in Malaysia has brought all sorts of trials and has affected Malaysians from all walks of life mentally, physically and financially. However, this did not stop us from lending a helping hand to one another.

In line with the #KitaJagaKita national campaign, UTAR Centre for Foundation Studies (CFS) of Kampar Campus successfully conducted a fund-raising project titled “Fundraising for Welfare Centres” over the course of one month from 10 September to 30 September 2021. The project was part of the university’s efforts to give back to society and it gave opportunities for our staff to be involved in community engagement for a more holistic approach to teaching and learning.

Led by CFS Department of Arts and Social Science academic S. Tulasi, a total of RM3,510 was successfully raised with unwavering support from UTAR staff and members of the public. This overwhelming response allowed the committee to channel the funds to a total of four welfare centres, namely Pertubuhan Pengurusan Pusat Jagaan 1 Malaysia (PPPJ1M), My Aged Care Old Folks Home in Ipoh, Pusat Jagaan Sutera, and Persatuan Kebajikan Bagi Orang Istimewa in Kampar.

The funds were distributed in the form of household supplies such as groceries and toiletries on 9 October 2021 in Ipoh and on 11 October 2021 in Kampar. The committee successfully extended their help to a total of 148 needy people including elderly residents and special-needs residents of four different welfare centres.

Sharing the joy of helping others, Organising Chairperson Tulasi enthused, “It was indeed a successful and joyful experience for the organising committee in helping others. The recipients expressed their gratitude to UTAR for the contributions provided.  They were also very happy and hoped that this kind gesture will continue in the future.”

She added, “This successful project shows how much we, as a community, care for one another despite all the challenges we face in these trying times. I hope that we will be able to continue such project annually and look for more underprivileged and needy centres to channel more donations.” She also expressed her utmost gratitude to her team for all the support and cooperation given to ensure that this project runs smoothly and successfully.

All the welfare centres visited adhered to the strict standard operating procedures enforced by the government due to the Covid-19 pandemic.