As our nation continues to battle COVID-19 , we have been fundraising for children and families affected by the pandemic. We cast our net wide because the needs are great, and thanks to your generosity, lives are being changed! Read on to see how your giving has gone to the ground, planting seeds of hope in seemingly hopeless times.
Carles Matin, 23, is a farmer and father of three. When the pandemic hit and the Movement Control Order was implemented, wholesalers could no longer travel to Mukim Tulid (180km from Kota Kinabalu) to buy his produce. To make matters worse, public transportation services had halted and a lack of awareness about COVID-19 left Carles’ family fearful and without support.
World Vision Malaysia went straight to the ground. Since June, food aid, vegetable seeds and hygiene kits have been distributed for immediate relief. Communities also received training in health, hygiene, child protection and agricultural knowledge to equip them for the days ahead.
As of September, the seeds are bearing fruit! Carles happily reports that they have harvested vegetables three times. “World Vision has not only given aid but also taught us to cultivate our gardens in order to reduce our living costs and help us to grow our income,” he said. We share in your joy, Carles! Happy planting and may your harvest continue to increase.
In preparation for school reopenings, we ordered 17,000 cloth masks for school-going children supported by donations to the COVID-19 Appeal. These masks have since been distributed to local schools across the country, and we’re happy to see the smiling faces (behind the masks) of the children who have received them!
The masks may look ordinary, but they are special. Handmade with love by members of the refugee community, World Vision Malaysia commissioned Afghan tailors to sew these masks. Their livelihoods had been affected by COVID-19 as business slowed down.
World Vision staff also visited the tailoring centre and shared photographs of schoolchildren wearing the cloth masks. The tailors’ excitement at being able to bless others with their skill whilst supporting their families was heartwarming. One tailor, Sajad said, “We are happy doing this, and we can support our families as well”, as he beamed with pride.
If these projects have shown us anything, it’s that nothing is too small when it comes to creating impact. Like seeds, soap and cloth masks. When you give, others truly live.
Be among the first to receive the latest news and updates on our work, stories of children and communities, and opportunities to make a difference.
In 2023, 83% of donations collected were used for programmes that benefit children, families and communities in need.
Learn More