ISLAMIC RELIEF MALAYSIA EXTENDS ITS DEDICATION THIS SYAWAL THROUGH ITS 'EID GIFT 2008' PROGRAM

As most Muslims around the world welcome Syawal this year with joy, happiness, colourful outfits, feasts and Aidilfitri various delicacies, somebody around us might not be so lucky.

Understanding this fact, Islamic Relief efforts and dedication towards the underpriviledges continues this Syawal. Through its 'Eid Gift 2008' program, Islamic Relief Malaysia continues distributing food packages to qualified beneficiaries around Malaysia.

'Eid Gift' is the extension of 'Ramadhan Feed the Fasting' program which was held through the whole month of Ramadhan. Still maintaining the same concept, under the eid gift program, with a contribution of RM50 from a donor, a food packages will be hand over to a poor family which can last for weeks. The contents of the food is still the same as Feed the Fasting program with extra addition of Hari Raya cookies and greetings. Under 'Feed The Fasting ' program, each food packages contains with basic food including rice, flour, condensed milk, sugar, cooking oil, canned food and other basic food.

The food packages are distributed based on the fund contributed by personal and corporate donation.

The Eid Gift distribution for this year began in the first week of Syawal at three different states, Melaka, Johor and Pahang which was done by Islamic Relief staff personally. According to Islamic Relief spokeperson, Mr. Farouq Zauji, "Although Hari Raya is the most joyful moments to us, We the staffs, decided to share this festive spirit and joyful moments with the undepriviledges"

Among the first beneficiaries of Eid Gift distribution are the residents of Kg Seggarang, Muar, Johor, Muarand beneficiaries from Kg. Serkam Tengah, Merlimau, Melaka. At Pahang, the beneficiaries are the residents of Kg. Sg. Badak, Jerantut, Pahang. A total 100 beneficiaries benefited from the first batch of deliveries, this Syawal.

The target group beneficiaries for this program are the under priviledges including the poor, orphans, single mothers and other group who are listed in the state welfare department.

Eid Gift distribution will be made around Malaysia according to schedule made by Islamic Relief Malaysia in the whole month of Syawal.

For more information on how to contribute to the program, public may contact Islamic Relief Malaysia via www.irm.org.my or call 03-8948 6334.