It was a morning to remember on June 20, when a skeletal crew from Great Eastern Takaful visited our ‘family’ in Kg Orang Asli Sg Gabong to deliver sundry and essential food items that were intended for them during the fasting month.

The MCO delayed our plans somewhat, but we still made it there two months later, with 1,500kg of items made up of rice, flour, cooking oil, sardines and personal hygiene items, packed into individual care packages for the 96 families there.

Having embarked on a chilli planting activity for the community last October to diversify their income source, we also got an expert from Jabatan Pertanian Bentong to share farming best practices with the community.

Encik Anwar Abdul Karim, an officer from the department, engaged the crowd with his interesting anecdotes on farming tips and even distributed free long beans, sawi and jagung seeds for the families to plant in their home compound,

In dispensing advice, Encik Anwar said: “If you don’t succeed in the initial attempt, try and try again. Look after the plants as if you are looking after yourselves,” he said.

Great Eastern Takaful Berhad chief executive officer Encik Shahrul Azlan Shahriman was at hand to deliver the care packages made up of essential goods to representatives of the families there.

“You have become family to us. We started our CSR here close to three years ago, providing solar panels, water filters, and setting up a children’s library. We are sincere in our efforts to help empower you towards better livelihood.

“What is important to us is sustainability, we want to continue supporting you,” he added.

Representatives from mySalam were also present to help four eligible recipients of the Government’s takaful protection scheme submit claims, after being recently hospitalised.

As we worked on coordinating the collection of  items to be donated before heading to this kampung in the months prior, one thing stood out - the support and love from the Great Eastern family, who gave and kept on giving, until we had more than enough!

Their actions are meaningful for many reasons – but most of all, it ensures sustainability of our CSR efforts for this community.