Single Mother Grateful For Ramadan Aid As Aidilfitri Nears

PENAMPANG, March 11 (Bernama) -- A smile of gratitude and joy lit up Effashaerra Mastan’s face when she received Ramadan assistance at a programme organised by several non-governmental organisations (NGOs) here.

The aid, which included cash and a food basket, will help the 26-year-old single mother fulfil her wish of bringing some Aidilfitri cheer to her eight-year-old daughter.

Effashaerra could not hide her emotions and described the contribution as a blessing that eases the financial burden of preparing for the upcoming festive season.

“With Hari Raya approaching, this assistance allows me to buy Hari Raya clothes for my daughter.

“My daughter has been asking repeatedly when I will buy her new clothes for Hari Raya,” she told Bernama when met at the iftar and Ramadan aid programme for asnaf, orphans and single mothers last night.

Effashaerra was among 66 recipients from various ethnic and religious backgrounds who received contributions at the programme organised by Pertubuhan Masyarakat Interaktif Suara Sabah and Cahaya Sabah Welfare Organisation.

Now in its third year, the programme is the result of strategic collaboration among various parties, including mosque committees and the corporate sector.

It was officiated by Sabah Minister of Youth Development, Sports and Creative Economy Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan.

Another recipient, Flovian Toingi, 36, said he did not expect to be selected as one of the programme’s beneficiaries and expressed gratitude as the assistance would help him purchase school necessities for his four children with special needs.

“All four of my children have hearing and speech impairments since birth. I plan to buy learning materials and school equipment such as shoes and bags for them,” he said.

Meanwhile, organising committee chairman Dr Abdul Rashid Hassan said one of the programme’s main objectives was to reach out to all segments of society through consistent community activities.

He said the initiative would continue to be enhanced to ensure communities in need receive the attention they deserve.

-- BERNAMA