Malaysians' Kindness Made #AyamWithYou Go Viral

Malaysians' Kindness Made #AyamWithYou Go Viral | Remember I shared about #AyamWithYou community pantry initiative and how it helped communities to pull through during these trying times?

So, here's an update on the initiative. 

In this so many years of being alive, I would say that this year's Hari Raya celebration was the most muted celebration ever (at least for me). And reading from updates in the news and from the updates from the initiatives, I was smiling that Malaysians' kindness has made a difference to those struggling with basic necessities through #AyamWithYou community pantry initiative in 13 communities. 

One of the thriving communities is Pusat Jagaan Kasih Murni in Kuala Lumpur. The center partners with Ayam Brand and manages the pantry that operates on a 'Take what you need, leave what you can' concept. The weatherproof center is managed properly, with its staff and the nearby residents regularly updating each other on what is available and what is needed via social media and messaging apps. And these acts have made the initiative viral. 

As one good act never goes unrewarded, and Malaysians being good samaritans as we always do, the volunteers are returning the kindness by preparing homecooked open house meals using Ayam Brand™ products, such as the likes of Roti Jala with sardine curry to macaroni fruit salad.

Nur Maisarah, Hamnee Mod Zain and Asma Amirah are some of the volunteers that cooked the meals for the needy. 

'Preparing some food for the community and residents of Pusat Jagaan Kasih Murni was our form of thanking everyone for the contribution. We wanted to give them the best that we could do. Using coconut milk, sweet corn baked beans made preparation much easier. The kids loved the Bolognese with loads of cheese, carbonara with chicken and beef pepperoni slice, pulut kuning rendang ayam and kuih seri muka we made. 

We are proud to have contributed to this initiative because it embodies the #KitaJagaKita spirit that has helped Malaysia through the Covid-19 pandemic.' says Nur Maisarah. 

The power of viral of #AyamWithYou initiative has introduced Pusat Jagaan Kasih Murni to more people in the district resulting in a steady flow of contributions to the pantry, and to the children in the home. Now many want to start similar programs in other locations too. 

'Our community rallied round to make the initiative a success. People were informing those in need that they could get necessities here, and other people were contributing items. Volunteers like Nur Maisarah, Hamnee, and Asma Amirah were making wonderful meals for the kids. When we give sincerely, we receive much more in return. The #AyamBersamaMu community pantry has brought our community together and created bonds that will sustain us for many years to come. We are happy to share with other organisations how to set-up and run a community pantry.  

'People react to the pantry differently. Some only take items late at night because they are shy or embarrassed. Others ask before they take, and want to chat with us so that their struggles are heard. There are anonymous donors who leave items in the pantry, while others share with us why they are giving. We’ve children dropping off a handful of candies for other children. Businesses sending us trays of eggs, rice and cooking oil. Parents sending us diapers, infant formula and toys, even new Raya outfits. We appreciate all of them,” she adds.' Pusat Jagaan Kasih Murni administrator, Pn Rohana explains.

To date, more than 5,000 Ayam Brand products have been taken from the pantries nationwide, and thousands of other items have been contributed by individuals, companies, and NGOs to help those who are struggling.

'Response to the community pantry is overwhelmingly positive. Ayam Brand staff are very proud of this initiative and have been mobilising their own network to spread the word so that more people can receive help, and more can contribute. The concept of ‘Take what you need, leave what you can’ is resonating in these communities. Brands such as Mission have joined us on this community pantry initiative, and we hope that other brands will also come on board so that we can keep the momentum going to do more good,' Ayam Brand Malaysia’s Marketing Manager, Nathan Deverre says. 

Through its long-running CSR programs, Ayam Brand™ has contributed more than 2 million healthy meals for charity, providing nutritious food to more than 22,500 people from 538 charity organisations and NGOs over the past 13 years. 

Here are the 13 locations of the #AyamWithYou community pantry initiative. Give them a visit and be a part of the initiative.

And should you know someone who needs assistance, refer them to the centers. 

📌 KUALA LUMPUR: Anjung Singgah Lot 28-32 Jalan Hang Lekiu, 50100 Kuala Lumpur 

📌 PAHANG: Rumah Anak Yatim Dan Fakir Miskin Baitul Husna, Lot 132 Kampung Pelindung, 26100 Beserah, Kuantan 

📌 TERENGGANU: Rumah Kebajikan Anak-anak Yatim Al-Hijrah Lot 4972, Taman Alam Perdana Binjai, 24000 Kemaman 

📌 KELANTAN: Pusat Jagaan Pertubuhan Anak Yatim dan Asnaf Kelantan Lot 723 Seksyen 49, Mukim Langgar, 15000 Kota Bharu

📌 PERAK: Pertubuhan Baitul Aini Ipoh PT 232242, Jalan Kuala Pari Hilir, Kg. Kuala Pari Hilir, 30100 Ipoh

📌 PENANG: The Children's Protection Society No. 118-A, Jalan Scotland, 10450 Penang

📌 KEDAH: Pusat Jagaan Insan Kesayanganku No.852 Taman Mahsuri Jitra, 06000 Jasmina

📌 PERLIS: Pertubuhan Kebajikan dan Amal Rumah Teduh Perlis No. 45, Lorong Haroom Bunga, Jalan Sekolah Derma, 01000 Kangar

📌 NEGERI SEMBILAN: Pertubuhan Kebajikan Anak-anak Istimewa Harapan Negeri Sembilan No. 43, Jalan TTJS 3/4, Taman Tuanku Jaafar, 71450 Sungai Siput, Seremban 

📌 JOHOR: Pertubuhan Kebajikan Anak Yatim Shafar, No 15, Jalan Limau, Kampung Pasir, Tampoi, 81200 Johor Bahru

📌 SELANGOR: Pusat Jagaan Rumah Kasih Nurul Hasanah No 1, Jalan Pimping Kanan, Ukay Height, 68000 Selangor

📌 SARAWAK: Pertubuhan Kebajikan dan Pendidikan Nur Murni, No 22, Lot 1365, Lorong Field Force 8e, Taman Green Field, 93250 Kuching

📌 SABAH: Rumah Anak Kesayangan, No. 22, Lot 151, Jalan Mat Salleh, Taman Sempelang Sembulan, 88100 Kota Kinabalu

To know more about the #AyamWithYou community pantry initiative, visit Ayam Brand. 

#AyamWithYou #KitaJagaKita #AyamBrand #RawlinsGLAM #RawlinsEats