Baju Raya Project: Lend a helping hand to those in need

Stacks of plastic boxes filled the empty space within the mosque's compound. Several volunteers looked busy as they prepare the items for distribution.

The items were all for the charity programme 'Baju Raya Project' organised by a local NGO, Projek Kasih.

Its project manager, Musliyana Mansor said the Baju Raya Project – already in its third year – never disappoints.

Not only has the collection increased, but the number of volunteers as well.

"With these activities, indirectly, we encourage the public to volunteer, give them time to do charity work and obtain pahala (rewards of the afterlife)."

She said, the concept used – collect, separate and distribute – foster the spirit of wanting to help in the community.

For volunteers, such activities help open their mind and heart to be grateful for what they have.

"Since I joined this activity, I am more open to participate in charitable activities. In addition to clothes and food, I also collect money for charity," said Nana Azman.

"We share our ups and downs, we learn about life and living when we observe people's hardship."

Echoing her views was her twin sister, Nini Azman, who said such charitable work also raises the awareness of the less fortunate.

"We do not realise it but there are a lot of less fortunate people out there. We try to do what we can, no matter how little, through this activity," said Nini.

The project's volunteer registration manager, Adib Khalid, said every piece of clothing donated to the designated charities and associations were of quality and according to the requested sizes.

He said the entire process was carried out within one day.

"The programme will run for a full day, and we accept donations from morning. Starting at 1pm, the items will be divided for volunteers to send to the selected homes.

"The volunteers will ensure that the clothes are in good condition, folded, sorted according to size and packaged before they are delivered to the charity homes, based on the number of recipients," said Adib.

On June 18, the Baju Raya Project will be held at Putra Bakti, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) from 8.30am until 1pm.

Apart from Hari Raya clothes, other items needed include rice, flour, condensed milk and Raya cookies.