For the past few weeks we are being consumed by the global financial crisis. Begining with Lehmann Bros, other banks and financial institutions in the US and UK takes its toll. It culminated in the rescue packages to the tune of mind boggling numbers by the governments of the United States ( 700 billion USD-simply cannot visualise this ! ) and the United Kingdom, and so the other european nations. Where are we heading to ? In Malaysia, the effect can be seen by the big drop in the Kuala Lumper Stock Exchange; currently hovering at the 900 point mark and at some point below the psychological 900 points. The public are also being assured that our bank deposits will be guaranteed by the government and that perhaps will be a delayed effect on the economy sometime in 2009 !
Despite this rather bleak sceanario, this month of Syawal has brought about some cheers and happiness to about a hundred or so under-priviledge boys and girls from four welfare homes from the Klang Valley. These boys and girls were specially invited to the JUSCO Foundation Open House in conjunction with Hari Raya ( Eid Mubarrak ) at the Seri Melayu Restaurant this afternoon of 20th October, 2008. At hand to welcome them was Dato Abdullah, Chairman of the Foundation with his Committee Members. Also present was Dato Siti Nurhaliza, the Ambassador for Jaya Jusco Stores ( Aeon ), a leading retail group in Malaysia. Of course besides the food of uncountable varieties, there was the music, the songs, dances and sportingly too, these boys and girls participated with the Emcee ( definitely, a comic and entertainer ) that liven up the atmosphere with their applause and laughter. No doubt, for 2 hours these kids had a moment of their life. And it was made possible by the Jusco Foundation. This spirit of giving and compassion is indeed apt in the like of today's state of economic uncertainties. I just wonder what will happen to the other under-priviledge boys and girls of sub-saharan Africa, children in conflict affected areas and the displaced boys and girls due to poverty and starvation. Will the aid and relief activities be continued by the "rich" countries now that they are busy trying to repair their own economies ? For Jusco Foundation, you have shown the way. ( Please see images, sorry for the quality...taken from a handphone camera )
