By V. Shuman

"Giving is not about giving a donation, it is about making a difference," goes a quote by Kathy Calvin, the CEO of the United Nations Foundation.

In that sense, Harvinraj Subramaniam, has made a lot of difference in the lives of many people, over the last eight years.

Speaking to Astro Ulagam, the 32-year-old recalled starting to dabble in charity when he volunteered with the Pertiwi Soup Kitchen in dealing with the homeless around Kuala Lumpur, back in 2013.

However, he felt there was a need to help the underprivileged beyond getting them a meal for a night.

"As cliched as it may sound, I was reminded of the quote 'give a man a fish, he will eat for a day. Teach a man how to fish, he will eat for a lifetime'.

"So I wanted to do more for the homeless, like getting them a job, so that they can fend for themselves," he said.

Since then, Harvinraj and his band of friends has helped four homeless people secure jobs and reunite with their families.

During the first Movement Control Order (MCO) last year, Harvinraj helped provide food and groceries to about 350 families affected by the lockdown.

Most of the time, the funds for these comes from Harvinraj's own pocket, as well as his friends', while members of the public have also helped by banking in money to be transferred into the accounts of those affected by the lockdown.

Harvinraj also liaises with NGOs in other states to check on those seeking help from other states, and deliver stuff to them.

Even more impressive is the fact that Harvinraj has not let up on charitable acts even when his business in the events and production field has considerably slowed down during the COVID-19 pandemic.

"I have another business dealing in healthcare products, so when I have more than enough funds, I make it a point to help the underprivileged."

The samaritan's recent charity was providing 80 toiletry units to the homeless during the recent Hari Raya Aidilfitri break.

His next target is helping families affected by the third total lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which comes into effect today.

As he usually does, Harvinraj has posted a shoutout on his Facebook, which has more than 500 followers, about wanting to help those who are in need of groceries due to the third total lockdown.

His messages will then get shared, and calls for help will be verified before assistance is rendered.

According to Harvinraj, to date he has enough allocation to help 100 families with groceries, but donations are welcome.

"One of the challenges I have faced before is running short of funds to help people. I can help more people if I have more funds," he said.

Harvinraj's next goal is to support the schooling of students from poor and broken families, as education is a key factor to one to get out of poverty.

An extremely laudable effort indeed Harvinraj!

May your charitable acts inspire others to do the same.

Those who would like to assist Harvinraj in his quest can contact him at 012-6518055.


Photos source: Harvinraj Subramaniam