Hardly seen yet not forgotten

7-ELEVEN Malaysia employees, together with individuals of its start-up NGOHub Asia, brought joy and festive cheer to the elderly folks at Charis Senior Citizen Home recently. The lively affair put smiles on the faces of the senior residents and warmed the hearts of all at the party.
A hearty meal was shared among all present. The menu included Chinese-style fried vermicelli with cabbage and shitake mushrooms, boneless salted egg chicken pops, garlic stir-fried mixed vegetables, chicken and prawn dumplings with Asian chili dip, assorted nyonya kuih and a refreshing minty lime drink.
Once a walk-in centre providing free meals and offering provisions to the elderly who are underprivileged, homeless, abandoned or lost complete contact with their families; Charis Senior Citizen Home which was founded by Reverend Leong Ka Meng in 1997, was transformed in 2004, to house a maximum of 25.
Located on the second floor of a shoplot in Jalan Pasar Baru in Pudu, the shelter today is home to 24 senior citizens. However, the walk-in centre is still in operation and opens from 6am until 10.30pm.
The initiative was organised and hosted by 7-Eleven Malaysia. Together with volunteers from NGOHub Asia, the festive gathering was enjoyed by all. “It is a pleasure to be spending time with the elderly here, and during this festive period, I am sure they would appreciate some company as it gives them reassurance to know that there are others who are looking out for them,” said 7-Eleven Malaysia marketing general manager Ronan Lee.
On behalf of the community living in the home, Leong thanked 7-Eleven and the volunteers for visiting and supporting them.
“We are happy and grateful to have you all here to celebrate this auspicious occasion with us,” he said.
Charis Senior Citizen Home welcomes contributions from society in cash or kind, even in the form of volunteers who can simply spend some time with the residents of the home.