While Hari Raya celebrations have been muted this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, and the recovery movement control order (RMCO), Malaysian kindness has made a difference to those struggling with basic necessities through the #AyamBersamaMu community pantry initiative in 13 communities.
In Kuala Lumpur, Pusat Jagaan Kasih Murni partners with Ayam Brand to manage the community pantry that operates on a ‘Take what you need, leave what you can concept’. The weatherproof pantry is stocked with daily necessities such as Ayam Brand products. It is set up outside the compound so that social distancing is observed, and is open to the public round-the-clock.
Staff and residents update community groups on social media and messaging apps, on what is available, and what is needed. Their efforts have made the initiative viral.
Volunteers are returning this kindness by preparing homecooked open house meals using Ayam Brand™ products. The meals spanned traditional favourites such as Roti Jala with sardine curry to macaroni fruit salad!
Nur Maisarah, Hamnee Binti Mod Zain, and Asma Amirah Binti Nazarudin were quick to volunteer to cook for the children as their way of contributing to the community pantry.
“There have been lots of messages on local WhatsApp groups about the pantry and the items needed. Pusat Jagaan Kasih Murni has done so much to help the people here. Preparing them an open house meal was our sincere contribution. We wanted to give them the best that we could do. Using coconut milk, sweet corn baked beans made preparation much easier. The kids loved the Bolognese with loads of Cheese, Carbonara with Chicken and Beef Pepperoni Slice, Pulut Kuning Rendang Ayam, and Kuih Seri Muka we made,” says Nur Maisarah.
“We are proud to have contributed to this initiative because it embodies the #KitaJagaKita spirit that has helped Malaysia through the Covid-19 pandemic,” she adds.
The buzz around the AyamBersamaMu community pantry has introduced Pusat Jagaan Kasih Murni to more people in the district resulting in a steady flow of contributions to the pantry, and to the children in the home.
“Our community have rallied round to make this a #KitaJagaKita Raya to remember for all the right reasons. People were informing those in need that they could get necessities here, and other people were contributing items. Volunteers like Nur Maisarah, Hamnee and Asma Amirah were making wonderful meals for the kids. When we give sincerely, we receive much more in return. The #AyamBersamaMu community pantry has brought our community together and created bonds that will sustain us for many years to come. We are happy to share with other organisations how to set-up and run a community pantry,”Pusat Jagaan Kasih Murni administrator, Pn Rohana explains.
To date more than 5,000 Ayam Brand products have been taken from the pantries nationwide, and thousands of other items have been contributed by individuals, companies and NGOs to help those who are struggling.
“People react to the pantry differently. Some only take items late at night because they are shy or embarrassed. Others ask before they take, and want to chat with us so that their struggles are heard. There are anonymous donors who leave items in the pantry, while others share with us why they are giving. We’ve children dropping off a handful of candies for other children. Businesses sending us trays of eggs, rice and cooking oil. Parents sending us diapers, infant formula and toys, even new Raya outfits. We appreciate all of them,” she adds.
The AyamBersamaMu community pantry is becoming self-sustaining with many requests to start similar programs in other locations, according to Ayam Brand Malaysia’s Marketing Manager, Nathan Deverre.
“Response to the community pantry is overwhelmingly positive. Ayam Brand staff are very proud of this initiative and have been mobilising their own network to spread the word so that more people can receive help, and more can contribute. The concept of ‘Take what you need, leave what you can’ is resonating in these communities. Brands such as Mission have joined us on this community pantry initiative, and we hope that other brands will also come on board so that we can keep the momentum going to do more good,” Mr Deverre says.
Through its long-running Corporate Social Responsibility programmes Ayam Brand™ has contributed more than 2 million healthy meals for charity, providing nutritious food to more than 22,500 people from 538 charity organisations and NGOs over the past 13 years.
Be part of the movement to receive or to give essentials this Raya season and beyond. The full list of Ayam Brand Community Pantry locations as follows:
KUALA LUMPUR: Anjung Singgah Lot 28-32 Jalan Hang Lekiu, 50100 Kuala Lumpur
PAHANG: Rumah Anak Yatim Dan Fakir Miskin Baitul Husna, Lot 132 Kampung Pelindung, 26100 Beserah, Kuantan
TERENGGANU: Rumah Kebajikan Anak-anak Yatim Al-Hijrah Lot 4972, Taman Alam Perdana Binjai, 24000 Kemaman
KELANTAN: Pusat Jagaan Pertubuhan Anak Yatim dan Asnaf Kelantan Lot 723 Seksyen 49, Mukim Langgar, 15000 Kota Bharu
PERAK: Pertubuhan Baitul Aini Ipoh PT 232242, Jalan Kuala Pari Hilir, Kg. Kuala Pari Hilir, 30100 Ipoh
PENANG: The Children’s Protection Society No. 118-A, Jalan Scotland, 10450 Penang
KEDAH: Pusat Jagaan Insan Kesayanganku No.852 Taman Mahsuri Jitra, 06000 Jasmina
PERLIS: Pertubuhan Kebajikan dan Amal Rumah Teduh Perlis No. 45, Lorong Haroom Bunga, Jalan Sekolah Derma, 01000 Kangar
NEGERI SEMBILAN: Pertubuhan Kebajikan Anak-anak Istimewa Harapan Negeri Sembilan No. 43, Jalan TTJS 3/4, Taman Tuanku Jaafar, 71450 Sungai Siput, Seremban
JOHOR: Pertubuhan Kebajikan Anak Yatim Shafar, No 15, Jalan Limau, Kampung Pasir, Tampoi, 81200 Johor Bahru
SELANGOR: Pusat Jagaan Rumah Kasih Nurul Hasanah No 1, Jalan Pimping Kanan, Ukay Height, 68000 Selangor
SARAWAK: Pertubuhan Kebajikan dan Pendidikan Nur Murni, No 22, Lot 1365, Lorong Field Force 8e, Taman Green Field, 93250 Kuching
SABAH: Rumah Anak Kesayangan, No. 22, Lot 151, Jalan Mat Salleh, Taman Sempelang Sembulan, 88100 Kota Kinabalu
Find out more about the #AyamWithYou community pantry initiative, visit https://www.ayambrand.com.my.
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