7-ELEVEN Malaysia, recently carried out a CSR activity in the spirit of Christmas with NGOhub Asia by setting up a hydroponic system at Trinity Children’s Home.
Trinity Children’s Home is a shelter home for orphaned and underprivileged children with single parents. Mary Moses, affectionately known to the children as ‘Chitti’, has been managing the home for the past three years, which was previously run by her sister and founder, Nancy.
Started in 1999, the home has nurtured and seen more than 150 children grow up to be independent adults as the home functions not only as a shelter, but also provides education and training for the children to be self-sufficient for their future.
As part of the CSR initiative, volunteers from 7-Eleven Malaysia and NGOhub Asia worked hand in hand in setting up the hydroponic system with the children. Along with a hydroponic expert, they briefed the kids on the different steps and requirements to start planting using the hydroponic system.
The children and volunteers got their hands dirty by seeding and potting the soil mix, excited at the prospect of reaping the harvest of their hydroponics in the months to come.
A Christmas celebration would not be complete without presents. The children were all given presents and goodie bags before the end of the programme.
Moses said the community outreach initiative has helped to cultivate future green thumbs by involving the children in caring and growing plants from scratch.
“The children had a great time learning and participating and I am grateful for the support and kindness shown by the volunteers,” she said.
Ronan Lee, 7-Eleven Malaysia’s General Manager of Marketing said setting up the hydroponic system will be beneficial for the home as it helps to sustain their lifestyle by providing fresh home-grown vegetables and fostering a closer relationship between the children and nature.
“This self-enriching activity is something that we hope the children will incorporate into their daily routine and pass on to more newcomers, as it presents many good values such as resourcefulness, patience, caring for plants and most importantly, self-sustenance skills that would help shape their character for the better.”
