A local family in Kinarut receives food bag from Sacred Heart Cathedral’s humanitarian efforts
By Catherine Engsun
Feb 9 2021
KOTA KINABALU – Although the Human Development Committee (HDC) of Sacred Heart Cathedral Parish (SHCP) has ceased its function in the parish, its former members came together once again to organize and distribute food bags. Other volunteers came forward to assist in the packing of the food items.
The food bags were distributed to 62 families residing in Tanjung Aru, Penampang, Inanam, Menggatal, Tuaran and Kinarut on Feb 7. With the extension of MCO 2.0 until Feb 18, many were still adversely affected by the present pandemic crisis especially the migrants.
From the 62 selected families, 57 were migrants and five locals. Some of them were recipients of aid from the previous donation activities. The local families that were affected comprised senior citizens between the age of 70 and 83, who are either very poor, living alone or disabled (due to blindness and stroke).
A recipient from one of the migrant families, who was interviewed, said that this gesture by the parish was indeed a great help to her. She has lost her job as a part-time maid since the start of MCO in March 2020. According to her, employers are no longer hiring part-time maids due to the high rate of infections of COVID-19. She added that faith differences have not prevented the Church to continue giving assistance to those in need. To this end she is truly grateful.
The distribution of food bags to these families was made possible through the balance of funds from the FoodforFrontliners (FFF) Donation Drive which took place sometime last year, as well as donations received from SHC parishioners, such as Life Community of Sacred Heart Cathedral Parish who contributed RM1K towards this cause which fed at least 20 families.
The Rector of Sacred Heart Cathedral Parish expressed his appreciation to all who had, in one way or another, participated and contributed in helping these families during this trying time of the pandemic.
Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. – Galatians 6.2
