this was a desperate young mother, a foreigner in the land of Malaysia, stranded, unemployed, used her remaining cash she had to top up enough enough to get online to call for help.
No one wanted to ended up this way. Malaysia to many foreigners is the land of sanctuary, especially for refugees running away from an oppressed country, and all was dandy and still good until the Covid-19 pandemic slipped into Malaysia, causing the economy to come to an almost stand still for almost 1 year.
Those who could be able to sustain themselves, even with odd jobs, would preferred not to trouble any aids from NGOs. But when desperate needs rises in a desperate situation, courage could be seen in anyone, even with humility.
We almost missed the opportunity to help the dire young mother of a 2 month old new born, with her husband also lost his job during the multiple lockdowns, exhausted their savings through the recent childbirth, but we are so grateful that there were just enough left to help them after double checking our resources, including 3 more families who came down into unforeseen circumstances, resulting them having no more income in their hands and even had to ask help from neighbours constantly.
Packed in with whatever we have left. Including a recent donation of milk powder that came in just in time, we finally were able to get things ready by Saturday and asked a favour from one of our F.I.N (Friend In Need) volunteer to help us send over to them.
Through and through it was a happy ending for the 4 refugee families even though they had to wait for a couple of days due to much backlog we face here at the Food Bank as more and more families in dire need tried to apply for food aid.
Wo know it isn't much from our side, but we do hope that the little we have, could help them to sustain a little longer until this unprecedented epidemic caused from the Covid-19 pandemic is lifted.
We are grateful of the last minute incoming donations that was just enough to get these family the food they need for both parents, grandparent and children; however this is not the end of the battle out of challenges as long as the economy is not entirely reopened in Malaysia.
Any prayers and donations are greatly appreciated as we strive forward in hope to add them into the list until they regain basic income.
One of the recipients here lost both her children and left with only a young grandchild with her, and she has been earning by collecting scrap metals until lockdown hits Malaysia, and is still struggling to reopen the economy.
In closing we are greatly reminded, that persistent prayers and boldness is so important in hard times, and from this persistent young mother's testimony, enable us to keep praying and strive towards our mission, "feeding one family in trouble at a time, whenever we can"
Angie Ng
Daily Bread Food Bank Director
disclosure: the Daily Bread Food Bank is part of a non-profit channel, collaborating with other NGOs including the latest Fresh Food Bank Initiative movement.
Where you can find us in mainstream media, look for @dbfoodbank or scan from the QR code below.
