Women volunteers for good causes
15 July 2024
By AVV
KOTA BELUD: Volunteerism, particularly when directed towards aiding the needy and less fortunate, serves as a powerful force for positive change in society. By offering one's time, skills, and resources selflessly, volunteers play a crucial role in addressing social inequalities and supporting those who are most vulnerable.
This is exactly what the Persatuan Wanita Peduli Kota Belud, loosely translated as the Association of Caring Women Kota Belud, is doing. This remarkable group of women volunteers goes above and beyond to provide tangible assistance to individuals in need, while also fostering a strong sense of community and solidarity.
Their work goes far beyond the surface level of helping those in need. By extending a helping hand, they are actively building empathy, understanding, and compassion among individuals from diverse backgrounds. Through their efforts, they are creating a more cohesive and inclusive society, where everyone feels valued and supported.
Torida Saragon, the chairperson of the association, passionately shared the impact of their work. She emphasized how they make a point to visit the homes or hospitals of the poor, struggling single mothers, and the sick. They provide much-needed assistance with genuinely care about the well-being of these individuals.
The association was established approximately two years ago, with the participation of several women from various villages such as Kg Nahaba, Sayap, Tampasuk, Rangalau, Dundau, and Dimala, among others. Torida stated that their membership is not confined to one village and welcomes anyone who wishes to join their noble cause.
"At present, our association comprises 50 dedicated members who contribute to our cause. We require a membership registration fee of RM10 per person, along with an additional RM1 monthly fee from each member. These funds serve as the backbone of our activities and initiatives.
“In addition to our membership fees, we have raised funds through charity dinners, where we sell tables to supporters. We are grateful for the generous contributions from members of the public, which further bolster our resources and enable us to extend our reach. The support we receive encourages and motivates us greatly,” she said.
‘Recently, we were honoured to receive a generous donation of RM5000 from Kadamaian Member of Parliament, Datuk Ewon Benedick. This contribution will be allocated towards purchasing food baskets for distribution to approximately 50 individuals, including those who are physically impaired, fire victims, and the sick. We express our heartfelt gratitude to Datuk Ewon for his kind gesture and unwavering support, which exemplifies his dedication to our community. He is indeed an exemplary leader with the people’s welfare close to his heart.”
“Through our efforts, we strive to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those we assist. By offering practical assistance and a sense of belonging, we not only support individuals in need but also strengthen the bonds within our community.”
“Our assistance extends to various individuals, such as a single mother facing challenges on her own. We provide aid through food basket donations and financial support to alleviate their hardships. Additionally, we undertake initiatives to repair dilapidated houses, ensuring that community members have suitable living conditions.”
“We regularly visit the sick, offering comfort and aid. We visit those who are in Hospitals and those who are recovering at home. For instance, we assisted a resident in Kg Piasau battling colon cancer with essential supplies like food baskets and Ensure milk. Our intervention prompted improved financial assistance for the individual, highlighting the positive impact of our actions. I believe the welfare funds for him was upped from the initial amount of RM215.”
“Collaborating with hospitals, we have organised blood donation drives at Kota Belud District Hospital and facilitated health checks conducted by PEKA at Kg Piasau, Kg Nahaba, and Kg Bongol in partnership with Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Furthermore, we have partnered with Malaysia Foundation in student search initiatives, including participation in events like the one held at Sosondoton View.”
“Our collective efforts and partnerships reflect our commitment to serving the community and making a difference in the lives of those in need. We remain dedicated to our mission of providing support, care, and assistance to individuals facing challenges. In our own way, we’d like to think that we are the eyes and ears of the needy and the less fortunate for the relevant authorities and the government as a whole."
Their focus on volunteerism might be paramount, but they also have time for their own activities. They learnt to make ‘Rinangkit” traditional lace-making among the members. She said they managed to get the basic skills and believe some members might be skilled enough to knit the lace for sale in future.
Torida has indicated that there will be a variety of upcoming activities for their members. As these initiatives unfold, there is a possibility that their products may be showcased and sold at Tamu Layu, a nearby traditional market. Given their unwavering dedication and determination, it is reasonable to anticipate that this milestone will be successfully achieved.
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