Sky Adventure Club's Helping Hand

                On the 13^th of October, the Sky Adventure Club for the first time volunteered to provide our energy and spirit to help out at the Pertiwi Soup Kitchen. The Pertiwi Soup Kitchen is an organization that helps donate food and even clothes to homeless people and alike every week. Organized by Seal (Kelvin Yap), we gathered eagerly at the Taylor’s University campus for a quick dinner and departed at 8pm to the distribution point in Kuala Lumpur. 

                After about a half an hour ride or so, we arrived at the Pertiwi Soup Kitchen’s first distribution point in the city. Despite the fact that we were early and the Pertiwi crew was not here yet, there was already a crowd awaiting for the arrival of the crew. Amongst the crowd were families of various races and even nationality. Some dressed better than others. But all in need of the freely provided warm food and drink. Upon seeing the crowd of people there, many of us were anxious and understandably so. It is not very often that we come into direct contact with people who are less fortunate. One can't help but ponder how we should communicate with them, without perhaps offending them in any way.

                After waiting for a while, a white van with the Pertiwi Soup Kitchen purple logo on it eventually arrived with the crew and immediately set up the van for the distribution of the food. The crew was amazingly efficient with the set up of the food stall. The Sky Adventure Club and another club from Taylor’s University that was there were then divided and given different tasks. The whole distribution was split into 4 different categories. They were; the distribution of donated clothes, distribution of warm food and drinks, haircut service and a medical check-up with a volunteer doctor.

SAC members enthusiastically distributing food

                The distribution of clothes was one that was simplistically systematic. Divided into women and men’s clothing, it was given on a first come first serve basis with 1 shirt and 1 pants per-person. With that, the volunteers had to do their best to maintain an orderly line although it often got a little too hectic and confusing at times. The food section on the other hand was held on the van where packages of food were given out along with packets of biscuits. Aside from that, a woman also gave a free haircut to a line of people awaiting their turn. Lastly, a volunteer doctor from Universiti Malaya was also there to provide a free medical consultation and some basic medicine to the sick and injured.

Clothes being distributed to a long line of people

Free medical consultation

Free haircut being given to a young girl

                After about an hour and a half, the crowd eventually started thinning and people left. The Pertiwi crew packed up along with the Sky Adventure Club and the other Taylor’s University club to continue on to the last distribution point. Ironically set up in front of McDonalds’, the same process was repeated again with a line of people already queuing up by the time we arrived there. Drinks were given out, food packets, biscuits but with the exception of clothes. Often needed, the clothes were already fully given out at the first stop. 

                 During the whole activity, various thoughts and emotions often go through the mind. We are always reminded quite often by the media that there are people are suffering. We see it in the photos, in articles and even visually by the news media. But the experience of seeing it through an external medium can never be equaled to the experience of when you are on the same level as of these people. To be seeing it for yourself; the kids, the women, the men and the old, you eventually come to realize that the media can only do so much in portraying the wrongs that is occurring in our world. 

                The charity event by the club was a successful one with everyone single one of us becoming a little more grateful for what we have and a lot more compassionate for those in need. Perhaps even, if fortunate enough, an experience that will always have a mark on us despite the passing of time itself.

Signing off,

Emcee

Late night supper at Murni after the event.

While this article was written by only a single writer, the event was experienced as a whole. To share every aspect of the experience; the direct opinions and thoughts of other members are showcased below here. Keep in mind that these are not all (due to practicality), but only a few.

Hydro - "It was an eye-opening experience for me to actually see there are actually that many people in need of help. With food, clothing and medical care offered by the Soup Kitchen, I truly hope that these supports will help them get back on their feet and lead a better life."

Hybrid - "I felt very excited at first but when the actual thing started happening, it was so sad to see so many "less fortunate" people. Overall, it was really worth it being able to experience this but it would have been better if there wasn't so many of us cause there were times where I barely had anything to do."

Pokemon - "Despite how unorganized it was, it was a really meaningful activity andI had a lot of fun especially when it's with SAC. Feel super blessed to have a home and to be able to help the homeless :D"

Chigga - "Humbled by the experience, and also felt ashamed that we don't fully appreciate the things we have when there are people out there who would flash their brightest smiles when receiving just a packet of biscuit."