Little did they know that their initiative, based at Five Stones Condominium in Petaling Jaya, would also end up helping someone suffering from cancer.
Initially, their project focused on helping charity homes, disabled groups and refugees.
“At first, through social and online connections in our Five Stones Condominium community, we formed a small group to gather donations, Parry told FMT.
“We expected to collect a few thousand ringgit and some food items. However, the response was greater than we expected. We managed to collect RM200,000.
“Then we found out that a former resident of our condo complex needed assistance for medical treatment.
“A new call went out to the condominium community and, within days, the funds doubled.”
Liza Yap is battling for survival from breast cancer, which has since spread to her brain.
The 50-year-old single mother used to be an architect with a big dream, but now all she cares for is staying alive so she can spend more time with her two children.
She was diagnosed with Stage Three breast cancer in 2013 and it turned her life upside down. The following years were filled with endless drugs, hospitalisation and chemotherapy, leaving her physically and financially drained.
She once recovered for a short period of time and looked forward to a fresh start, but suddenly collapsed at her workplace in 2017.
Things went downhill from that point.
“Final stage cancer,” she told FMT in a calm voice.
Despite progressive treatment, including gruelling brain surgery, her successes were shortlived with tumour cells developing aggressively.
She was resolute in spirit, but the same could not be said of her body and she had to abandon architecture because she could no longer use her right hand to draw.
The only option left to extend her life was chemotherapy, but Yap had exhausted close to RM1 million and had no more savings or insurance payouts to cover medical expenses.
She was fortunate that Parry and her other neighbours found out about her predicament and decided to help.
To date, the Five Stones Condominium SS2 group has collected more than RM190,000 for her.
“I’m really thankful for the donations. With their help, I may have a chance to see my two girls grow into adulthood,” she said.
Those who wish to help Yap and donate to the Five Stones Condominium SS2 community initiative may drop a WhatsApp message on FMT’s Helpline, 0193899839.