Thrilled by first shopping treat

They are used to getting hand-me-downs. So imagine the thrill for Penang Agape Welfare Association (Pawa) residents when they got to pick their own clothes for the festive season.

They were treated to a shopping outing for the first time since the home was formed in 2017.

“Seeing them happy and excited to go out is the highlight,” said founder and director Sharon Muniandy.

She said a shopping outing had not been within their budget.

“We are a non-governmental organisation, dependent on public donations.

“So I have never taken them out to get new clothes.

“We sometimes go to the beach and take part in various programmes and workshops as I want them to learn skills.

“But shopping for new clothes was something we never dreamed about before,” she said during the outing organised by Seri Delima assemblyman Connie Tan Hooi Peng.

Besides having a fun time picking out their clothes, the residents also enjoyed a meal together to conclude the outing, courtesy of Tan.

Sharon said she was grateful for the opportunity.

“Now they can wear new clothes for Christmas and have a fun time.”

Sharon said the residents, aged between nine and 52, suffered various mental disabilities that required constant care.

The home, she said, needed RM15,000 a month to manage the 15 residents, five employees, utility bills, rent, groceries, diapers among other expenses.

A resident of the home is full of smiles as he chooses a new shirt for the coming Year of the Dragon. — Photos: LIM BENG TATT/The Star

“We do not have our own vehicle, so it is difficult to get to places.

“Usually we borrow a van from a church to get around.”

Sharon said the centre would usually get preloved clothes dropped off at their place.

The Star recently highlighted the home’s wish for new clothes to celebrate Christmas.

Flashback of a report in The Star on the children’s appeal for new clothes.

Tan said she read about it and wanted to help out.

“This is the first time I have invited home residents to go on an outing. I hope more people will come forward to support them.

“It is the season of giving and it is important to make them feel accepted,” she said.