26 December 2012 - Boxing Day, the day after Christmas where gifts which have been unwrapped left piles of boxes to be discarded away, hence the name. However, the gift I received from Hubby on Christmas Day has no "box" to discard. Knowing how drawn I have always been to Soup Kitchen's activities but not having the opportunity to join one, Hubby sprang me a surprise by arranging my sister to babysit my 2 younger kids, while he brought me and my eldest son, Gary, to Port Klang, my first encounter with Reach Out Klang.
RO Klang, as it is fondly known, is an NGO who feeds the homeless and the poor in Klang and Port Klang area five days a week - Mondays to Fridays. However, food is not the only thing offered by this Group, they also provides the necessary assistance to get the homeless off the streets, securing jobs for the jobless and aiding the hardcore poor families around that area. The Run Leader of the Night aka Boss of RO Klang was Mr Melvin Lim, a man I deeply admire and respect for his commitment and dedication to these people - people often misunderstood by society. When others are either partying away on that Christmas night or resting in the warm comfort of their homes, Melvin went about his usual rounds - alone, distributing food packs, fruit and drinks to those who waited for his arrival. He knew how much these people look forward to these meals and his compassionate heart will not allow him to let them down. Due to earlier engagement, we only managed to make it in time to Port Klang, which is the second-last distribution point, the Jetty being the last. 20 food packs were given out here and the Run ended after the last 3 packs were delivered to the Jetty.
We decided to join the Full Run the following night and so the three of us; Hubby, Gary and myself arrived early at Plaza Chi Liung, the first distribution point. Moments later, we were joined by our friend Chew, Puan Azma, the Run Leader for that night and her two angels. We introduced ourselves and exchanged pleasantries before setting out to meet and feed the street people. Food packs consisting of fried rice, biscuits, oranges and mineral water were given out to people who gathered at various pre-determined distribution points around Klang town. Along the route, there were also stop-overs for few who sleep in car park ramp, bridges and other unthinkable places. Mission completed in Klang and it was time to head down to Port Klang, where the usual crowd had already gathered in front of the Bank, eagerly waiting for their food pack.
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Hubby's pick-up truck came in handy for packing and
distribution of the food packs |
Tonight, the street people here were in for a treat as Puan Azma whose birthday falls on the next day decided to share her blessed occasion with her street friends. They were treated to satay and kuih, which they were allowed second and third helpings till they are full.
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| Mouth-watering goodies |
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Puan Azma serving her friends with the same courtesy as if
they were guests in her own home |
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| Taking meals by the roadside is norm for them |
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Absence of tables and chairs does not stop these guys
from enjoying their food |
One of Puan Azma's angels, Liza, had earlier hid the surprise birthday cake in Hubby's pick-up truck, so when the clock struck 12, Gary was given the honour to present the cake to the Birthday Girl. The look of surprise on Puan Azma's face was priceless! The customary Birthday song was sang, candles blown and after that the cake was distributed to the eager waiting crowd.
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| The Look of Surprise which says it all |
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| Cutting the birthday cake |
It was the most unusual birthday party I have ever been to and honest to heart, none surpassed this. No amount of splendour, expensive food, distinguished setting and guests could match this simple down-to-earth birthday celebration in terms of its meaning and satisfaction. Gaiety and warmth filled the air and took away the cold and loneliness of the night. That night, more than stomachs filled ... hearts were warmed and friendship bonded. In most circumstances, it is usually the Birthday Girl who receives gifts but for that one night, it was the Birthday Girl who gave us a "gift" we cannot forget.
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| From the four of us : We'll Be Back!!! |
It was an awesome experience and one that touched our hearts deeply. A new frontier in our charity work.
