SINGAPORE – Living by himself and unable to work because of illnesses, Haji Uthuman Packir Mastan Mohamed Aly finds joy in cooking – and a 25kg bag of ingredients he receives from Jamiyah Singapore every two months helps him to do just that.
Said the 69-year-old: “I am grateful. Whatever they give me is enough for me.”
Haji Uthuman, who lives in a rental flat in Bendemeer, suffers from high cholesterol and heart problems. Taking on occasional odd jobs, he also shares any extra groceries with his neighbours.
He has obtained food support from Jamiyah Singapore for about three years, with its monthly assistance reaching out to more than 1,000 families.
To sustain this support, Jamiyah Singapore launched its Mega Food Drive 2025 on Nov 23, aiming to raise $300,000 worth of essential items to help more than 1,000 low-income families, persons with disabilities as well as elderly, aged-sick and unemployed individuals.
Haji Uthuman joins more than 1,000 families who rely on Jamiyah’s monthly assistance.
ST PHOTO: KELVIN CHNG
Walk-in and drive-through food contributions can be made at eight Jamiyah locations until Dec 31, while cash donations can be made online.
Popping up at the launch event – at Jamiyah FoodBank in Tannery Lane – were a group of 21 bikers and their spouses, who brought items like rice, Milo and biscuits.
The group, BMW Riding Kakis Bikers, has 431 members across Singapore.
Group founder Mohamed Tajudin, 61, said their passion goes beyond riding. “We are just a motorcycle group, but that does not mean that our passion is only towards riding – we also want to give back to the community.”
“I know my members. They are always willing to do things for charity, so this was not a problem for us,” he added.
