WHILE social distancing has become the new norm for most of us, a community whose livelihood depends on the sense of touch is still significantly affected by this unprecedented situation, even as Malaysia enters the recovery movement control order (RMCO) phase.
7-Eleven Malaysia recently carried out its latest corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative in collaboration with its start-up, NGOHub, by reaching out to the visually impaired communities that have been adversely affected following movement restriction measures implemented by the government due to the outbreak of the pandemic.
Acknowledging the challenges faced by these less fortunate communities, 7-Eleven Malaysia arranged for the distribution of food items such as rice, cooking oil, canned sardines, bread, instant noodles, coffee, tea and condensed milk to Persatuan Orang-Orang Cacat Penglihatan Islam Malaysia (PERTIS) and other selected charitable organisations for the blind which are located in the most affected areas, to help ease their burden during this challenging period.
7-Eleven Malaysia general manager of marketing Ronan Lee said: “Due to the social distancing rule brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, it is with no surprise that people with disabilities are among the most hard-hit communities, as many of them have hardly earned a living.
“To alleviate their burden, we have decided to provide support and assistance in terms of essential groceries and food supplies to those in urgent need of assistance.”
Lee added: “At 7-Eleven, we are committed to assisting the community we served in through various activities and campaigns. Driven by our CSR initiatives to contribute to the well-being of society, we believe it is important to get on the ground during this challenging period and ensure that these less fortunate communities are not neglected.
“We hope that this timely contribution will help to ease the burden of the less fortunate ones.”
PERTIS Operations Manager, Zamzuri Ghani said: “Our membership has reached 2,100 people and most of them are facing the repercussions of the ‘new normal’ due to social distancing requirements.
“The abrupt loss of income has also made it hard for them to go about their daily lives. Those who earn daily wages, such as masseurs, buskers and petty traders, are among the hardest hit.”
Zamzuri added: “They are in dire need of support and we are grateful for the assistance we received from members of the public to help ease their burden in trying times like these.”
Persatuan Orang-Orang Cacat Penglihatan Islam Malaysia (PERTIS) was established in 1996 and has branches in Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and Kedah, with its main objective to provide visually impaired people with a chance to learn Braille code in the hopes of opening the door to literacy, intellectual freedom and equal opportunity.
Those who wish to contribute to PERTIS can contact 03-4021 2631 or visit www.pertis.com.my to learn more.
