Hunger Knows No Religion

KSK visits Rumah Kasih, home for abandoned, old folks and terminally ill

KSK normally distributes food to the homeless or urban poor, but when I heard from my Soroptimist (http://www.sipj.org) sister, Iza, that there was a welfare home in KL where the staple diet was maggi mee, i asked Pete, Head of KSK, if it was okay to distribute food to them. Pete immediately replied to the affirmative and asked me to go ahead and investigate.

Finally at 11am on June 22, a small group of KSK volunteers led by Pete went to visit Rumah Kasih, on Jalan Dewan Bahasa. I had been there once before and had briefed the volunteers on the grim circumstances of the home but I could see on their faces that reality was still a shock. This home is for abandoned old folks and terminally ill, is situated in the middle of a cemetery and above a row of shoplots which are all casket shops.


Rumah Kasih above casket shops

Foong, the very caring administrator for the home explained that it was because of cost that they were situated there. It cost around RM3,000 to rent the large room on the first floor, which housed 29 men and 11 women. Pete spoke to Foong extensively to find out what they needed and how KSK could help.



Interior of Home

The oldest resident is a 90 year old whose bed is next to a window overlooking the graveyard. She says her children have passed away and she was brought to the home by her grandson who now lives in Japan. “I miss him, but what can I do?” she says, shrugging.


90 year old happy to talk to a curious young visitor


View of graveyard from the window

One of the residents who had been found stuffed in a dustbin and set fire to by persons unknown. He is now much better under the care of Hospital KL and Rumah Kasih.


Bedridden residents


One lady telling our KSK volunteer that she doesn’t remember what her favourite foods are.


One of the residents offering volunteers’ kids some biscuits!

Today, KSK volunteers brought bread sponsored by Silverbird, packs of dry food, a box of oranges, dried pasta, first aid kits and a simple lunch and drinks for all the residents, all ready packed in boxes for the convenience of some of the residents who are bedridden. Some of the more able residents helped the less able, showing care and camaraderie. KSK volunteers spontaneously decided to offer the residents a lunch of their favourite food in future and approached the residents to ask them what their favourite dishes were.



Wheelchair bound having his lunch


KSK volunteer feeding the incapacitated

Anything, they said, as we went from resident to resident. Anything is good. We were surprised by their simplicity. Just come and visit us, one said. And we will, we promised.

KSK plans to continue to send Rumah Kasih bread, dry food and anything else we can get. KSK also intends to provide a lunch for them regularly. To do this, we need volunteers and financial support, so please do join us and contribute in whatever capacity you can.

I promise you - your view of life will be changed forever.
For more info, see:
http://www.hkl.gov.my/content/rumahkasih.htm

 

 

To volunteer, offer sponsorship or for any other information, please contact:

Justin Cheah
 012 209 3813
help@kskcommunity.org

 

August 17, 2008

©Kechara Soup Kitchen