KUCHING: The Salvation Army Kuching Community Services assisted 200 underprivileged families in Kuching throughout 2024, including disaster victims, single-parent households, unemployed breadwinners, and abuse survivors.
Over the course of 2024, The Salvation Army responded swiftly to multiple crises, providing essential aid and groceries to fire and flood victims. This included support for 18 families in Kampung Tabuan Melayu on Jan 17, 37 families in Segong Bau on Feb 18, six workers in Carpenter Street on March 14, and 26 families in Saratok on Sept 5.
Additionally, 40 underprivileged families received monthly groceries in 2024, while those requiring special milk formula and disposable nappies due to medical conditions benefited from ongoing support through a sponsorship from Aerotrends Aviation Malaysia Sdn Bhd.
In collaboration with Unimas Nursing and Social Work students, The Salvation Army conducted community empowerment programmes in August, such as parenting talks for mothers in Kampung Slabi Plaman and a 3Cs Community Outreach in Kampung Entanggor. These initiatives benefitted 64 adults and children through discussions on child abuse, domestic violence, health checks, and sports activities.
Further community engagement took place in October, when St John Ambulance Kuching provided CPR training for 24 food parcel beneficiaries, followed by a sponsored lunch from Lepau Restaurant. In December, Marcus Moo led a fatherhood forum for nine fathers in Kampung Kesindu Sebuyau, addressing community needs and modern parenting challenges.
To equip families with sustainable skills and help break the cycle of poverty, The Salvation Army organised various workshops. These included baking training for 15 women in Kampung Kesindu on April 10, a bead bracelet-making session for 10 women in Kuching on Sept 14, and a clay and bead workshop for 19 underprivileged children on Oct 19, facilitated by UCSI University’s Leo Club.
The Salvation Army Kuching Community Services remains committed to supporting underprivileged communities in 2025 and relies on public contributions to sustain its efforts. Donations, both financial (with tax-deductible receipts) and in-kind, such as dry groceries and personal care products, are welcome. Volunteers can also reach out to offer their time and make a difference.
