Feeding those in need in Malaysia #whiteflag

“Since January, the [Malaysian] Health Ministry has received more than 122,000 calls via its help hotlines, requesting emotional and psychological support related to the loss of jobs and income, as well as family and marital problems.

The authorities have also recorded 336 suicide cases between January and March - or an average of about four cases every day. The three-month figure is more than half of what was reported throughout 2020.”

Source: The Straits Times

With the latest extension of restrictions and lockdowns in Malaysia, things are becoming more dire for those who have been without a stable income (some for almost a year with pockets of income between lockdowns) and in recent weeks a movement has begun - #benderaputih (#whiteflag).

If a person or family requires assistance to survive the impact of the pandemic, they can attach a white flag to the outside of their home and the community will do their best to lend them a hand. This can be anything from a white piece of cloth to a t-shirt or plastic bag, and includes private calls for help. Unfortunately, as more of these flags have been put up over the last few weeks, communities, charities and food banks have been struggling to come to the help of those who need it.

This is what’s driving me to start this fundraiser, and help the charities and food banks on the ground in Malaysia. The donations will be split equally between these three foundations for now - and I will provide updates accordingly:

• MERCY Malaysia (Covid-19 fund): https://www.mercy.org.my/donate/covid19/
• Food Aid Foundation: https://www.foodaidfoundation.org/
• Food Bank Malaysia: https://www.foodbankmalaysia.org/covid19-emergency-fund/

If you feel more comfortable donating directly to them, please do so. All funds donated through GoFundMe will be transferred to the foundations listed above, and receipts posted in the updates.

To keep up to date with the foundations and how your donations are helping those who really need it, you can follow them here:

• https://twitter.com/MERCYMalaysia
• https://www.instagram.com/foodbankmalaysia/?hl=en 
• https://www.instagram.com/foodaidfoundation/?hl=en 

Please do help by sharing this fundraiser with your friends, family and coworkers if you can. Your help in any way possible makes a big difference.

Thank you and stay safe,

Daewin & Joanne

(Banner photo from: THE STAR / ASIA NEWS NETWORK)