For Muslims, mosques play a strong community role – they’re where religious classes are held and many gather to socialise or seek solace.
So when mosques closed, this left a gap in the community, especially for those who require assistance.
Now that the holy month of Ramadan has begun, these issues are becoming even more pertinent.
So for a student in Singapore, he saw the need to fill that gap up and started an initiative to deliver meals to those who need them.
Although Ruzaini Syazwan is a full-time student, he has been buying pre-dawn meals from 2.30am to distribute to the needy, reported Berita Mediacorp.
Kickstarting the #UmbrellaInitiative on his own, Syazwan had the plight of this vulnerable community in mind. Knowing that they’ll have no pre-dawn and break fast or iftar meals from the mosques, he decided to be their provider instead.
Relying solely on money from the community, Syazwan has gone from buying and delivering 20 packs of food a day at the start of Ramadan, to over 50 now.
Despite his daily 9-5 schedule attending online classes, he delivers both pre-dawn and iftar meals, the latter of which he does after his classes end.
He then goes back home to rest for a few hours before heading out at 2.30am to purchase pre-dawn meals, which cost about $5 each.
The gruelling schedule means he’s had to sacrifice time and energy, but he persists.
He told Berita Mediacorp that anyone can make a difference, big or small:
Doesn’t matter how big the difference a person can make, the most important thing is to take the first step. Everything else will fall into place once you take the first step.
It’s very heartening to see young Singaporeans making a difference in the community.
Syazwan is also delivering meals to healthcare institutions to ensure that staff get their pre-dawn and iftar meals while they work.
Those who wish to contribute funds or help to cook meals can check out the #UmbrellaInitiativeSG tag on Instagram.
Kudos to Syazwan and those who’ve reached out to vulnerable communities during this tough Circuit Breaker period.
Hopefully, with everyone’s help, people won’t have to go hungry anymore.
Featured image adapted from Berita Mediacorp.
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