With many facing challenging times as a result of the pandemic, it is easy to forget that more can be achieved by standing together as one people. Nationally accredited social enterprise Projek57 has been committed to uniting Malaysians in its goal to support underprivileged communities through collaborations with other social enterprises, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and businesses.
Inspired by the vision of the nation’s first Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman that our country’s future depends on how well many kinds of people live and work well together, Projek57, since its establishment in 2015 and through its Movement of Hope, has contributed more than RM400,000.00 to underprivileged communities.
In light of the pandemic’s impact on lives and livelihoods, Projek57 has extended their efforts to reach underserved communities with basic necessities. Projek57 recently distributed food aid to 200 families in Puncak Alam, Klang and Port Klang.
Projek57 also worked hand in hand with those from the business community such as the Entrepreneurs’ Organisation Malaysia, as well as those serving communities on the ground directly such as Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia (ABIM), Projek Bangsa Malaysia and Kiwanis Malaysia, to assist 400 families affected by Covid-19 with food aid during the various movement restriction phases.
Muhammad Faisal Abdul Aziz, President of ABIM said, “We are deeply heartened to be collaborating with Projek57 in providing assistance to families in need across the Klang Valley. During this trying period for the nation, we believe it is now more important than ever to stick together and help each other no matter what our backgrounds and beliefs are.”
“This pandemic has impacted Malaysians nationwide. As part of the business community, we felt compelled to join hands with Projek57 and provide all the assistance we can. We hope the contributions will uplift their spirits and ignite a sense of resilience among the impacted families during this challenging time,” added Lim Chu Chuan, President of the Entrepreneurs’ Organisation Malaysia.
Projek57 Co-founder Syed Sadiq Albar said, “These are extraordinary times and many communities have been facing tougher challenges than usual. We are grateful that there are many like-minded Malaysians who understand the value of joining forces to support those who need help.”
“To this end, thanks to our recent partnerships, we have also helped empower women in the B40 group, in addition to other communities. By sourcing items produced locally by these women, we can help provide them with an income, with part of the profits from the sale of their merchandise going back to them as well.”
In the past year alone, Projek57 has channelled almost RM100,000 into collaborations with other social enterprises to empower underprivileged communities including Generating Opportunities for Learning Disabled (GOLD), Earth Heir, Cotton and Sago, Women of Will and Batik Boutique. Items sourced from B40 communities include hand-painted artisan batik, cloth face masks, decoupaged tiffin carriers and baked goods.
Co-founder, Collin Swee, said, “For Projek57, working in partnership for the greater good has been part of our DNA from Day One and unity is at the core of what we do. With the ongoing pandemic, helping each other remains essential to get people through hardship. In our small way, we are lighting a beacon of hope for affected communities.”
In conjunction with the upcoming National Day and Malaysia Day celebrations, hand-made Projek57 Unity Ribbons are available for the public to purchase and do their part to support the needy. The Unity Ribbons are a symbol of Hope. The ribbons, priced at RM3.00 each, feature the iconic silhouette of Tunku Abdul Rahman’s face. All profits are channelled towards supporting the needs of underprivileged youth.
Unity Ribbons can be purchased at at https://www.projek57.com/unity-ribbon, Village Grocer, Ben’s Independent Grocer, BSC Fine Foods and Pasaraya OTK stores, as well as Pos Malaysia’s General Post Outlets nationwide.
