Deepavali goodies to the needy

[Guest guest]

Light and Love Johor Baru;Monday, 3 Nov 2008

Donations given to D. Mariyee put a smile on her face as she was touched for not been forgotten by society.

The 73-year-old was among 37 poor people who received Deepavali goodies from Majlis Wanita Johor (Mawar) at a ceremony in the Sathya Sai Baba Centre here on Friday.

The mother of four, who received items like festive cookies, tit-bits and cash, said, since her husband’s death 23 years ago, she had been working hard to provide for her family.

“I have been unable to work after falling and injuring myself three years ago. “I rely on my daughter-in-law and donations to help me get by,” she said.

Mariyee said she was forced to stay with her daughter-in-law after floods washed away her house last year.

 

“I am thankful for the aid given by Mawar. I believe it will add to the festive cheer in our house,” said the single mother.

 

Another recipient, retiree T.S. Pakirisamy, said it was the first time he had received such help.

“My wife is a stroke victim and has been paralysed for 10 years.

“I hope the goodies can help lift spirits in our house,” said the 76-year-old.

 

Meanwhile, single mother M. Kalarani, 44, said she worked as a cleaner to support herself and six children.

“My husband passed away two years ago and I am the sole breadwinner for the family.

“I am grateful that Mawar is lending a helping hand as I do not earn much as cleaner and don’t have extra money for the Deepavali celebration,” she said.

 

Mawar Welfare Bureau chairman Datin Safiah Aris, who presented the goodies to the families, said she was pleased to see the smiles on the recipients’ faces.

She represented Sultanah of Johor Sultanah Zanariah Tunku Ahmad at the event.

 

The source:

http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2008/11/3/southneast/2372707 & sec=southneast

 

Namaste - Reet