650 individuals from 150 B40 families in the small town of PPR Sungai Sering, Ampang recently received RM24,000 worth of food supplies from staff of OCBC Bank Al-Amin Bank Berhad (OCBC Al-Amin) as part of their joint effort with Women of Will (WOW) to help communities affected by the global Covid-19 pandemic and the effects of the nation’s Movement Control Order.

Rozita Ismail, Head of Business Development OCBC Al-Amin handing over the goodies to one of the many recipients.

The staff had earlier passed the hat around to raise funds for the joint #OCBCJagaKita project which was aimed at lessening the burden of those in needy communities.

WOW, along with The People’s Volunteer Corps (RELA) and Jabatan Kebajikan Masyrakat (JKM), made the necessary food purchases – including rice, sugar and flour – and distributed them to the 150 families.

According to WOW Chief Operating Officer Mr Lakshwin Muruga the collaborative effort with OCBC Al-Amin was much needed for helping the less fortunate during these challenging times.

“We are grateful to the staff of OCBC Al-Amin for their support and contribution to assist the community during these trying times. We are pleased to have done our little part to help our community and we hope this will aid them in tiding through the current period.

“This donation of essential food supplies came at such a crucial time as a survey we conducted showed that 36% of families have zero income while the rest have only 35% of their regular income,” he said.

Speaking on behalf of OCBC Al-Amin, Chief Executive Officer Syed Abdull Aziz Syed Kechik said the Bank continues to strive to be more involved in the localities in which it operates and to become even more engaged in the community, going beyond simply providing superior banking products and services to meeting the social needs of the people as well.

“The social and economic effects of the global pandemic have been significant for many and so we wanted to reach out to support those who are most in need during this time of need. I am pleased with the way my OCBC Al-Amin colleagues banded together to rally around those in need by contributing wholeheartedly to the cause. Thanks also to WOW for collaborating with us on this meaningful relief project,” he said.