Early Hari Raya Cheer For 80 Underprivileged Kids

While many Muslim children in Malaysia have fond memories of Ramadan especially going to Ramadan bazaars to buy their favourite food for breaking fast and spending time at shopping malls to buy new Hari Raya clothes, there are underprivileged children who do not have the opportunity to experience the same Ramadan memories with their loved ones.

This holy month, Fraser & Neave Holdings Bhd (F&NHB) feted 80 children from Rumah Baitus Sakinah to a scrumptious buka puasa buffet at Concorde Hotel Shah Alam to spread the joy of Ramadan and strengthen ties with the less fortunate/underprivileged in a blissful atmosphere.

The children, aged between five and 17 years old enjoyed themselves as they tucked into delicious local and western delicacies including F&N’s wide range of tasty beverages, and mingled with F&NHB employees.

During the event, F&NHB’s Head of Communications & Corporate Affairs, Karen Tan said that the Group felt privileged to be organising this buka puasa celebration and sharing the happiness of the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri with the children of Rumah Baitus Sakinah.

“F&N has become a part of Malaysians’ daily lives for the past 135 years especially during the festive season. As a popular brand among Malaysians, it is our responsibility to always care for the communities that we operate in particularly the less fortunate.

“It is such a delight to see the smiles on the children’s faces and how happy they are today. We are pleased to be able to contribute Raya goodies that includes baju Melayu, baju kurung, songkok, tudung and duit raya to the children of Rumah Baitus Sakinah in anticipation of the upcoming Hari Raya celebration. We sincerely hope that our contribution will give the kids a fun experience of dressing up in their new Raya clothes on Aidilfitri and enliven the festive spirit,” she added.

Guests were also treated to a nasyid performance by the children of Rumah Baitus Sakinah.

The new Raya traditional outfits and duit raya were presented to the children by F&NHB Chairman, Tengku Syed Badarudin Jamalullail, accompanied by Tan.

One of the children from Rumah Baitus Sakinah, Ahmad Athoillah, 15, said that he was delighted to be given the opportunity to enjoy the incredible experience. “This our first buka puasa celebration with F&N. I really love everything about it, the food, gifts and of course, the lively environment because we rarely get to experience such an event. I am so grateful and thankful for being able to come here to break fast with my friends,” he said.

Thirteen-year-old Hannaniah Rusmi from Rumah Baitus Sakinah felt the same way and relished every moment of the event. “I am happy to be here. Not only do we get to try out different types of food and drinks in a beautiful setting at a lovely hotel but also mingle with the friendly F&N team. The food is delicious and I get to enjoy my favourite drink, 100PLUS!” she exclaimed.

Puan Kartini Maarof, the founder of Rumah Baitus Sakinah thanked F&NHB for hosting a wonderful evening of fun and tradition. “The kids thoroughly enjoyed themselves and I am sure that this year’s festivity will be more meaningful for them as they can now look forward to trying out their new outfits on the first day of Raya,” said Puan Kartini.

Rumah Baitus Sakinah is home to 80 children and teenagers consisting of 45 boys and 35 girls who are orphans or come from disadvantaged families.

F&NHB has been celebrating Ramadan with underprivileged children since 2004 by treating them to Hari Raya goodies and buka puasa sessions to commemorate the spirit of giving and sharing during the fasting month.