Beneficiaries grateful for generous folk

The Star

21-05-2025

Goh (right) talking to Fauziah (centre) and her son Muhammad Zarif Naufal. — THOMAS YONG/The Star
A bag of groceries may not mean much to some, but for Fauziah Mohamad, it helps her get through a month.
The 46-year-old, who is one of the beneficiaries of Food Bank Jishan, said she first met its founder, Goh Teck Kuan, about nine years ago when her son was diagnosed with a heart condition.
'Since then, Goh has continued to do what he can to help my family, especially in terms of groceries.
'Perhaps for some, simple things like rice, cooking oil or biscuits may not be a big deal, but for me and others in my situation, it is a lifeline.
'I really appreciate people's generosity and I hope that someday, I can pay the kindness forward,' the mother-of-nine told StarMetro.
To make ends meet, Fauziah has been taking up several odd jobs that allow her to still take care of her nine-year-old son.
'I cannot take a full-time job as I need to take care of my youngest son.
'He has low immunity and gets tired easily, but his health is improving.
'However, I do not use that as an excuse not to work and to only depend on charity to survive,' she said.
Fauziah has been cooking ayam penyet and laksa Johor for people to pick up.
'I have also done floral arrangements for weddings and engagements.
For Suganthy, it is all about spreading kindness.
'I clean a house in Eco Tropika weekly too, and my employer is kind enough to even pay for my transport to her house.
'She also refers me to her friends, allowing me to get some additional income and to bring my son to work so that I can still take care of him,' she said.
Fauziah, who used to be a restaurant cook, said she had also been assisting Goh in looking for others in need of help.
'I appreciate his sincerity and I can see that he really wants to help those who truly need it.
'I do what I can to assist by connecting him with others who need help, especially those who may have been overlooked,' she said.
Also grateful for the kindness of strangers is a 56-year-old homeless man who wanted to be known only as Tan.
'There are several people and groups providing free food to the homeless, but only a few do so consistently.
'We will normally find out about such food drives through word of mouth.
'Sometimes, by the time I get there, the food has already been fully distributed, but other times, I get to take a second pack.
'It really depends. Either way, I am grateful for them because it allows me to at least have a healthy meal,' he said.
Tan, who used to be a kitchen helper, said he also sometimes assisted non-governmental organisations and individuals wanting to help.
'Sometimes they will ask us to help gather our friends or to let them know where to find others in need,' he added.
For housewife K. Suganthy, 52, who has been both a beneficiary and donor for meals at Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman temple, it is all about spreading kindness.
'It gives us a sense of community as each week, we will have different people contributing to the meals.
'In a way, it helps us to get close to each other and to God,' said the mother-of-three who has been a devotee at the temple for over 25 years. — By VENESA DEVI and RHEMA SENG