KUCHING: A 75-year-old visually impaired woman from Kampung Tijirak here received much-needed assistance recently from local NGO, Hope Place Kuching (Persatuan Kebajikan Harapan Kuching).
Catherine Kayeng Suter, affectionately known as Aunty Kayeng, lives with her daughter, Sylvia, and three young grandchildren.
Despite her age and visual impairment – she suffers from blurred vision in both eyes – Aunty Kayeng continues to take care of the household on her own.
She still manages to cook, clean and look after her youngest grandchild.
“I may not see well, but I still have my strength. I just do what I can for my family,” said Kayeng, who remains determined and independent despite her limitations.
Her daughter, Sylvia, 39, is a single mother of three children aged between two and 14.
With the burden of caring for both her mother and children, Sylvia is unable to secure full-time employment.
She now survives by collecting and selling wild vegetables in nearby areas using an old motorcycle.
Even on good days, her income is minimal – earning only about RM30 if she manages to sell all her produce.
The family survives on a very tight budget. School expenses, utility bills, and daily necessities constantly stretch their limited income.
Kayeng receives a RM200 monthly assistance from the Social Welfare Department, but it is far from enough to sustain the household.
Hope Place continues to support the family with essential food items and milk powder for the children.
Those who wish to help can contact Hope Place at 082-505987 or 013-5672775.
Donations are welcomed, and receipts will be issued upon request.
Contributions can be made directly to their Maybank account (MBB: 511289001160), or visit their Facebook page to access the Sarawak Pay / S PAY GLOBAL QR code.