Brief Background:
Rumah Aman, which is located at Section 2, Shah Alam. The difference between this orphanage and others is the following:
- orphanage was founded by a non-Malaysian who resided in Malaysia under the Malaysia My 2nd Home program
- the children are chosen are currently boys aging from 6-9 years old based on their academic strengths
- the boys can read and speak English and Bahasa, count, lead prayer, swim, etc. They are taught Islam, manners, and other soft skills.
You can check out their blog: http://rumahaman.blogspot.com
The blog showcases the individual boys. Very interesting.
Currently, Rumah Aman is expanding. They intend to locate more bright young boys and girls to provide the education that they deserve. The second orphanage will be located in Sg Buloh.
The donation drive is to assist with the funding of the second home. Apart from generous and sincere donations, we are organizing a mass bowling event at 11 locations simultaneously at 11 participating bowling alleys. Read more here:
http://bowlforcharity.blogspot.com
If you watch the video, you can see the boys reading, how they pray in congregation, lead prayer and perform azan, how they dress themselves, swim, the academic and sports awards that they receive & win.
It truly inspired me to volunteer and help in any way I can.
As a volunteer, I had to man the Rumah Aman booth at the Sejuta Belia (1 million youth) day at Putrajaya. We literally had to go up to every passer-by or customer and promote Rumah Aman and the bowl for charity drive, enlighten them, and convince them that sincere contributions even as little as 50 cents or RM would make a difference.
Many primary, highschool and university students contributed. The working class also contributed but I found it rather challenging to convince them. I had to use my creative skills on how donating to orphans can benefit THEM (the donator).
When the previous second Minister of Finance dropped by to donate, I observed a huge entourage following him. Reporters and cameramen snapped pictures of him at our booth, while his entourage loyally stood behind him.
This is side-stepping, but I had a thought I wanted to share:
When you are in power, people follow you everywhere possibly even to the gents. When you no longer have power, will the same people remain loyal or will their loyalties change? You must have real leadership for people to remain loyal regardless whether you have ''official'' or ''unofficial'' power. Back to the main subject...hehehe
Small contribution, Big difference.
The highlight of the drive for me:
- A group of young girls wore a cute uniform came to donate RM 1 each. Since they were in uniform, I thought they were from a primary school. So I asked which school are they from. The response brought tears to my eyes instantly. The little girls were also from an orphanage. What struck me was they did not hesitate to donate the little money that they had for children in the same boat as them. I know that children in orphanages usually do not get allowance, so that RM 1 eventhough so small, meant so much from them. I felt really guilty. Like I was stealing from an orphan. I pray that Allah bless and reward these girls for their kindness and generosity, for their big heart.
- I managed to draw the attention of 3 family members who after they donated, was interested to help more by providing in-kind assistance and include the orphans in their family activities like having a family dinner with orphans. Apparently this family has 120 family and extended family members! We were so thrilled!! They even wanted to volunteer for the bowling event. I feel very blessed.
I would like to do more. Perhaps teach language, read and write, reading the Quran or teaching them how to bake. Hehehe
You can request for tax exemption if you donate.
Let's make a difference, in any way you can. There are many charities, and I think we can do so much if we spare some for those in need.
Join me?
