JOHOR BARU: The poor, handicapped and underprivileged are usually celebrated during festive seasons, and rightly so.
However, unsung heroes like caregivers and helpers should not be forgotten either.
A hotel chain in Johor recently adopted an unconventional approach to fulfil their corporate social responsibility (CSR) in marking the Christmas festive season this year by recognising the efforts and hardwork of caregivers, caretakers and helpers.
Five of them, from five centres, were feted by Care Luxury Hotels & Resorts (CLHR) at an event themed "Have Yourself a Merry Lil Christmas" with a sumptuous buffet hi-tea at the Trove Hotel.
They were also presented with Christmas gifts and cash.
The five centres were Pusat Jagaan Warga Emas Nur Ehsan, Persatuan Penjagaan Kanak-Kanak Terencat Akal Johor Bahru, Persatuan Kebajikan I-Kasih Johor Bahru, Persatuan Kebajikan Orang Tua Ceria and Persatuan Kebajikan Berkat Johor Bahru.
CLHR felt that these people have put in their hearts into caring for those in need. Hence they felt it was time to commend them for their untiring services.
CLHR assistant director of marketing and communications Keyin Tay said, “These people are the unsung heroes who have worked tirelessly, gone the extra mile and given their all to the many in need.”
According to Keyin, over the years, CLHR has been celebrating Christmas with children, orphans and the disabled but this year they wanted to shine the light on those who worked behind the scenes.
“They show care and love to the neglected," Keyin remarked.
“We believe in the social importance of empowering local communities and to support social causes which have a positive impact on our environment and society.”
She anticipated that more such events would be held for the other festive seasons.
“We are committed to maximizing the individual potential of people, working with the local communities and supporting social causes like helping the needy and poor," she explained.
She said society should not forget those who work behind the scenes so that others may have a better tomorrow.
Meanwhile, on the centres themselves, Keyin said many were either neglected or overlooked.
This led to CLHR taking the initiative to do their part with "Project Local Love", calling attention to the five unsung heroes which they hoped would highlight these homes to the public.
At the event, invited guests, sponsors and media representatives were shown a video clip on the experiences of the caregivers who have been with these homes for many years as well as exclusive interviews with them on the plight of these homes.