KUCHING: Sometimes, the most meaningful initiatives begin with a simple intention – to show up, to care and to share a little bit of joy.
That was exactly the spirit behind a special iftar (breaking of fast) gathering organised by Raw Kitchen co-founder, Ilnara Mukatayeva, and digital content creator, Lee Xieing, who hosted 11 families from the Sarawak Childhood Cancer Society (SCCS) in what marked their first-ever engagement and giving-back initiative with the organisation.
With Chinese New Year festivities coinciding with the start of Ramadan this year, the pair saw a beautiful opportunity to celebrate togetherness across cultures while creating a joyful space for families who have faced immense challenges.
For Ilnara, the idea was always rooted in creating a moment of happiness for the children and their families, many of whom navigate challenges most people cannot fully imagine.
“We wanted to bring joy to the children and create a warm, happy space for the families to come together. Seeing the children laugh and simply enjoy the evening made every effort worthwhile,” she said.
The gathering unfolded with a comforting rhythm of families sharing a meal, children chatting and playing, and parents finding space to connect with one another.
It was less about formality and more about presence, about creating a space where everyone could just be.
What might have seemed like a daunting task for a first-time initiative turned out to be a smooth journey, thanks to the support of SCCS.
“The whole process of getting this get-together organised was a breeze thanks to SCCS. Their team was very helpful and accommodating,” Ilnara said.
At the same time, Lee echoed the sentiment that using her platform to contribute to meaningful causes has always been something she hoped to do more of, describing the evening as deeply meaningful.
“I look forward to doing more initiatives like this and continuing to support communities that need it,” she said.
Beyond the meal and the festivities, the gathering carried deeper significance as it offered families a brief pause from routines shaped by hospital visits and treatments, and instead, an evening centred on warmth and togetherness.
For Ilnara and Lee, it is only the beginning, with hopes that this first collaboration with SCCS will pave the way for more initiatives in the future where small acts of kindness remind these families that they are seen, supported and never alone.
