Special packets of care
KUALA LUMPUR: While many marked the Duan Wu Festival with feasts of rice dumplings, the Petaling Street Kawasan Rukun Tetangga (PS KRT) celebrated it in a different spirit, by sharing the festive joy with the less fortunate.
As the sun rose over Petaling Street yesterday, a heartwarming scene unfolded as a long line of homeless individuals and senior citizens, some arriving as early as 6am, gathered to receive gifts of festive cheer.
At least 1,000 traditional rice dumplings were distributed, alongside 500 dragon fruits, red-dyed hardboiled eggs, coconut buns and chicken rice packets, all part of a charitable food giveaway organised and sponsored by PS KRT.
The event, now an annual tradition, was the brainchild of Melvin Chan, PS KRT treasurer and fourth-generation owner of the Fung Wong Biscuit shop.
Nearly a decade ago, he witnessed the struggles of the homeless and elderly outside his shop and decided to take action.
'That's when I decided that, as a business owner here, I had to do something for these people. I wanted to give back to society and that's how this annual giveaway began,' said the 44-year-old.
The initiative, which also takes place during Chinese New Year, has become a beacon of compassion in the area, drawing a diverse group of recipients from all walks of life.
Among them was 70-year-old Janet, who said she felt blessed to receive the gifts each year.
'Every year, I look forward to this day as it's the one day I can enjoy dumplings thanks to this charitable giveaway. It's been a great help in my situation,' she said.
Paul Gobi, 46, who is currently unemployed, expressed his gratitude despite not being familiar with the festival.
'Even though I don't celebrate or even know much about the festival, they welcomed me without hesitation. It shows how much they care for everyone, regardless of our background.'
Yen Wong, 48, came not only for herself but for her elderly family members.
'My parents and older relatives are in their seventies and can't make the trip, but they always look forward to these dumplings.'
Seventy-two-year-old Choo Yew Kong appreciated the improved distribution and festive atmosphere.
'With such a variety of food for so many people, it really makes me feel like I'm celebrating the festival with my relatives.
'I'm also glad they decided to organise everyone into a single line this time. Last time, it was very crowded around the stall and dangerous as it was right beside the road,' he said.
Chan was especially moved by the reception, noting the unity it reflected.
'Seeing so many happy faces walk away reminded me that we truly are one big family,' he said, adding that he plans to give out 1,500 dumplings next year.
The Duan Wu Festival, also known as the Dragon Boat Festival, is traditionally celebrated with boat races and sticky rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves.
It falls on the fifth day of the fifth month in the Chinese lunar calendar, which landed on May 31 this year.
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