Islamic Relief Malaysia Turns 'Match-Maker' To Help Underprivileged

By Ismail Amsyar Mohd Said BANGI (Selangor, Malaysia), Sept 26 (Bernama) -- The Islamic Relief Malaysia (IRM) has turned 'match-maker' for a noble cause. It has introduced the 'Gift of Hope' programme, a match-making concept linking donors and potential beneficiaries, to help the underprivileged get back on their feet. IRM country director Zairulshahfuddin Zainal Abidin said, the programme was in line with the objective of helping the underprivileged have sustainable livelihood. IRM is the implementing partner of the programme and has selected more than 30 families since the programme was introduced last year, he told Bernama here recently. He said one-third of the families were successfully sponsored for a one-year period, explaining that the ‘Gift of Hope’ was a year-long "commitment programme" for donors interested in participating in it to ensure the donation given to the families could be sustained and would motivate them to create a better living. Zairulshahfuddin said donors could choose whether or not to continue their commitment after a year. However, IRM also encourages those wanting to donate, but could not guarantee their commitment. "These donors can offer donations, according to their affordability, and IRM will combine the donations and allocate them to the respective families," he said. He said, selection process for the programme was ongoing and currently, IRM was still gathering the list of underprivileged families for short-listing under the ‘Gift of Hope’ programme. The list of nominees was obtained from different organisations and bodies such as the Zakat office, welfare department, mosques and through recommendation, added Zairulshahfuddin. "We launched this programme based on the objective of promoting integrated development and environmental custodianship, focusing on sustainable livelihood and to support the marginalised and vulnerable, in voicing their needs and to work with others in addressing the root causes of poverty," he noted. Elaborating on the programme’s concept, he said selected families would be presented to potential donors on the IRM website, and various donation packages would be offered to the donors to choose from. The basic package starts with RM250 (US$81) per month for a family, while there are three options available under the additional packages, namely Education package for RM30 (US$9) per month for a child, Baby package for RM50 (US$16) per month for a baby and Elderly package for RM70 (US$22) per month for an elderly person. Donors will choose the family they want to help first before selecting the basic package and the three options in the additional package. At an open house held during the recent Aidlilfitri celebrations, IRM gathered about 200 beneficiaries, including those from orphanages, special children, welfare homes, Rohingya orphans and also the donors. "This is the time where we could get the donors to meet the beneficiaries and let them witness where and how their donations help these people," said Zairulshahfuddin. IRM is an affiliate of Islamic Relief Worldwide, an international relief and development charity organisation established in Birmingham, United Kingdom. -- BERNAMA