KUALA LUMPUR, June 22 — As the end of Ramadan draws near, acts of charity and providing for the less fortunate have not slowed.
The National Welfare Foundation, better known as Yayasan Kebajikan Negara (YKN) is one of many non-governmental organisations working to assist the homeless by providing employment, food and shelter.
The foundation’s board of trustees chairperson, Tan Sri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil said 3,234 vagrants have been employed since the organisation was established in 2011.
“We also conducted 3,506 counselling sessions which have proved successful for the 4,410 vagrants registered at the five Anjung Singgah transit homes nationwide,” said Shahrizat here on Tuesday after presenting Hari Raya goodies to the less fortunate in conjunction with YKN’s Sinar Kasih Ramadhan programme at its Jalan Hang Lekiu Anjung Singgah centre.
Among the recipients was Johorean Sharifah Asrina Asri, 38, who had ended up homeless in Kuala Lumpur a few years ago after her marriage ended.
“After my divorce, I came to KL alone to look for a job. I was shunned by my family and relatives because they thought I was begging them to help me when all I needed was moral support,” said Sharifah who has not seen her children or celebrated Hari Raya in recent years.
“I am thankful to YKN for helping me find a job as a temporary security guard, providing me with food and shelter, and helping me rebuild my life,” she said.
Amni Yusnita Zahri was living on the streets with her four children when she learnt about YKN.
“It was hard living on the streets with my two infants, two toddlers and ill husband until we received a voucher from YKN,” said the 35-year-old from Melaka.
The voucher allowed Amni’s family to stay at Anjung Singgah for two weeks while the foundation scouted for a job for her.
“I am thankful to YKN and Anjung Kasih for providing for us. Hari Raya will be that much more special for my family this year,” she said.
Shahrizat joined volunteers to distribute clothes during YKN’s Sinar Kasih Ramadhan programme on Tuesday.
