AMPANG: This year marks the fifth time that Rokiah Mohd Johan, 86, will celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri with her friends at Mesra Home, an elderly care centre in Ampang, Selangor.
However, this year holds greater significance due to the RaRa Macam Dulu-Dulu Geng Ori x Jom Ronda campaign by Media Prima Bhd (MPB).
Rokiah, also known as Cik Kiah, expressed joy at MPB's corporate social responsibility theme, which evokes memories from her youth.
Cik Kiah recalled preparing Raya dishes like rendang and ketupat.
"Those were the days when we cooked together. Reminiscing about it brings me joy," she told the 'New Straits Times' at the centre today.
Cik Kiah, who vision is impaired, said she was thrilled by the festive atmosphere, especially with MPB's efforts to help the elderly.
She said she was grateful for the treatment and hospitality she received at the centre, especially being surrounded by good people.
"To be a good person, it's simple: we must respect everyone, regardless of age. We also need to donate. If we give food, give fairly."
Faezah Ali, 45, the founder of Mesra Home, said: "Alhamdulillah, we are fortunate to have MPB's support.
"In the past, opportunities like this were scarce. So, this visit presents a wonderful chance for us to bring joy to the residents.
"With 22 residents under our care, we face limitations in providing extensive support due to constraints in staffing and space.
"Ensuring their wellbeing and providing them with the affection they deserve are challenging."
Mesra Home is the final stop of the CSR tour, which aims to foster a sense of community, provide contributions and organise activities that evoke cherished memories for residents as they prepare for the festive season.
The residents had breakfast with TV3 celebrities Hanif Miswan and Farah Nabila Wazer, as well as singers Khair Bahar and Marsha Milan.
MPB extends its support to Mesra Home through contributions such as Kotak Rezeki, prayer kits, electrical appliances, bathroom items, donations for festive necessities, raw ingredients for celebratory meals, Raya decorations and paint supplies.
Volunteers raised the spirits of the residents by painting the home, washing the floor and decorating the premises with Hari Raya-themed items.
There was also a "rewang", or communal cooking and sharing of meals.
The campaign has been spreading joy at eight elderly care centres.
In the northern region, visits were made to Kedah and Penang, followed by the eastern region covering Kelantan and Terengganu; the southern region includes Johor and Melaka; while the central region has Sungai Buloh and Ampang.
