SI Bangsar Bank Runcit (SI Bangsar Food Bank)
In 2020 and 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic seriously impacted the Malaysian economy. Many lost their jobs, had pay cuts, failed businesses, lost their breadwinners etc., which left them in dire straits.
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SI Bangsar embarked on a project called SI Bangsar Bank Runcit (SI Bangsar Food Bank) to provide basic food essentials to those in need. The strict SOPs and lockdowns imposed by the government discouraged direct and close contact. Instead of door-to-door food distribution, the Food Bank was more sustainable. We set up the Food Bank at a petrol station strategically located for easy access. The Food Bank was erected on 2 July 2021, with an initial target to last 3 months. It offered a lifeline and a sense of food security to the affected families. We saw humanity at work – with many opting to only select items and leaving enough for others.
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Initially we were not confident of raising enough funds due to the deteriorating economic situation in the country. The main intention was to provide short term relief until the needy could find alternative sources of income. The socio-economic situation in the country did not improve during the initial 3 months. Fortunately, we raised more donations which enabled us to extend the project from 3 months to 7 months (from 2 July 2021 to 30 January 2022). We achieved our goal - to feed the hungry. We estimated 2,500 families were given respite for food aid through this project.
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