Next Tuesday, the 72-year-old and his team from Food4U – the charity organisation he founded – will visit Kampung Gunong in Hulu Terengganu to help approximately 150 families affected by floods that struck at the end of last month.
“We received a request for help as, apparently, three-quarters of their homes were submerged underwater. Everything was wiped out,” he tells FMT.
The team will be joined by Angkatan Sukarelawan Asas Sejahtera (Asas), an NGO they previously worked with to help those affected by floods in Hulu Langat.
With cleanup efforts underway, the affected families require assistance from the public to rebuild their lives.
As such, Food4U is looking for donations in the form of mattresses, blankets and pillows, as well as appliances such as stoves, rice cookers, kettles and irons.
Additionally, grocery items such as eggs, rice, sugar and flour are needed.
“We are also asking for items of clothing that are in good condition,” Uncle Tony adds, requesting that these be compiled according to size and gender.
‘Simply joyful’
Having previously helped flood victims in Pahang, Uncle Tony recalls the reaction of those who received aid.
“They were simply joyful to know there were people who cared for them and were concerned about their welfare. When we visited them, many could not hold back their emotions,” he says.
“Some of them even broke down, hugged us, and said, ‘Thank you very, very much’. One of the most satisfying things was to see the joy on their faces.”
Commenting on Monday’s floods in Kuala Lumpur, he explains the waters have subsided and, with cleaning works being done by Kuala Lumpur City Hall, they have not received any requests to go in and help.
‘Help one another’
During the lockdowns over the past two years, Uncle Tony and his team also played a part in feeding the homeless and needy in KL. He continues to call on Malaysians to band together and help those in need.
“In any calamity, people will suffer,” he adds. “We cannot wait for the government to do everything. The people have to help one another.”
And of his outreach efforts, the kindly pensioner shares a quote: “I came with nothing; I will leave with nothing. While I am here, let me share my blessing with those who need it.”
If you would like to help, contact Uncle Tony directly at 017-8812666. Learn more about Food4U via its Facebook profile, or email [email protected].
Food4U,
37, Jalan 2/2A,
Bandar Sunway Semenyih