Projek57, a social enterprise, is committed to uniting Malaysians in its goal to support underprivileged communities through collaborations with other social enterprises, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and businesses.
In light of the pandemic’s impact on lives and livelihoods, Projek57 has extended their efforts to reach underserved communities with basic necessities. It recently distributed food aid to 200 families in Puncak Alam, Klang and Port Klang.
Projek57 also joined hands with non-profit organizations Entrepreneurs’ Organisation Malaysia, Kiwanis Malaysia, Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia (ABIM) and Projek Bangsa Malaysia to provide food aid to 400 families affected by Covid-19 during the various movement restriction phases.
Projek57 Co-founder Syed Sadiq Albar said, “These are extraordinary times and many communities have been facing tougher challenges than usual. We are grateful that there are many like-minded Malaysians who understand the value of joining forces to support those who need help. To this end, thanks to our recent partnerships, we have extended aid to the underprivileged communities and affected groups.
“We have also helped empower women in the B40 group, in addition to other communities. By sourcing items produced locally by these women, we can help provide them with an income, with part of the profits from sale of their merchandise going back to them as well.”
Items sourced from B40 communities include hand-painted artisan batik, cloth face masks, decoupage tiffin carriers and baked goods.
Projek57 co-founder Collin Swee said, “For Projek57, working in partnership for the greater good has been part of our DNA from day one and unity is at the core of what we do. With the ongoing pandemic, helping each other remains essential to get people through hardship. In our small way, we are lighting a beacon of hope for affected communities.”
ABIM president Muhammad Faisal Abdul Aziz said, “We are greatly heartened to be collaborating with Projek57 in providing assistance to families in need across the Klang Valley. During this trying period for the nation, we believe it is now more important than ever to stick together and help each other no matter what our backgrounds and beliefs are.”
“This pandemic has impacted Malaysians nationwide. As part of the business community, we felt compelled to join hands with Projek57 and provide all the assistance we can. We hope the contributions will uplift their spirits and ignite a sense of resilience among the impacted families during this challenging time,” said Entrepreneurs’ Organisation Malaysia president Lim Chu Chuan.
Since its establishment in 2015 and through its Movement of Hope, Project57 has contributed more than RM400,000 in aid to underprivileged communities.
In the past year alone, Projek57 has channelled almost RM100,000 to empower underprivileged communities from collaborations with other social enterprises, including Generating Opportunities for Learning Disabled (GOLD), Earth Heir, Cotton and Sago, Women of Will and Batik Boutique.
In conjunction with the upcoming National Day and Malaysia Day celebrations, Projek57 Unity Ribbons are available for sale to the public. The hand-made Unity Ribbons which serve as symbol of hope are priced at RM3.00 each, and feature the iconic silhouette of Tunku Abdul Rahman’s face. All profits are channelled towards supporting the needs of underprivileged youth.
Unity Ribbons can be purchased at https://www.projek57.com/unity-ribbon, Village Grocer, Ben’s Independent Grocer, BSC Fine Foods and Pasaraya OTK stores, as well as Pos Malaysia outlets nationwide.
