Volunteering in the Klang Valley: Making a Difference in the Community
Nothing says as much about the strength of a nation than how it cares for the weakest, the forgotten, and those who have fallen through the cracks of society. Volunteering releases society-building powers and transforms a community for the better. From soup kitchens for the homeless, empowerment programs for the marginalized, shelters for strays, and sustainable efforts to preserve the environment, here are some ways you can thoughtfully offer your services to make a meaningful difference. StarMetro highlights some places in the Klang Valley that warmly welcome a helping hand and your valuable contribution.
Kechara Soup Kitchen Society
The public can volunteer with Kechara Soup Kitchen to distribute food for the homeless on the streets of Kuala Lumpur every Saturday and Sunday. Kechara Soup Kitchen has served the homeless for over 15 years, providing free meals on a daily basis to those in need. The NGO operates primarily as a food bank and offers basic medical services and welfare aid to the country’s urban poor. Kechara also regularly offers free sewing and baking classes for marginalized communities. Currently, a team of 25 manages the nationwide initiative and depends heavily on the assistance of volunteers. Volunteers may help out with kitchen and street distributions, surplus food collections, and food deliveries within the city center. Kechara welcomes individual volunteers and groups. Volunteers of all ages are welcome; however, there is a minimum age requirement for children to be at least 12-years-old and must be accompanied by a guardian. For more information, visit https://kecharasoupkitchen.com/ and for those wishing to volunteer, queries can be made to +60103333260.
The Assembly Soup Kitchen (Task)
An independent, volunteer-run organization based in Shah Alam, The Assembly Soup Kitchen (Task) started operations during the Covid-19 movement control order (MCO) in 2020. The group first started off cooking meals for orphanages, welfare homes, and families that lost their income during the MCO, but have since expanded its outreach program wider afield. Task now focuses on cooking for schools for refugees and the homeless community, preparing up to 3,000 meals a week. Run by four full-time workers, the initiative welcomes any form of assistance from the public and hopes more donations can be made, in the form of cash, food, or manpower. Those seeking to volunteer will be tasked with food preparation, cooking, baking, food packing, and food deliveries. Groups and individuals of all ages are welcome to help out during opening hours from Mondays to Saturdays, 10am to 4pm. For more information, visit https://theassemblysoupkitchen.com/
Befrienders KL
Peace of mind and mental health are equally important as physical well-being. Befrienders KL, founded in 1970, is a helpline that offers emotional support to those feeling suicidal or depressed. All calls received are confidential, and the helpline operates free of charge 24 hours daily nationwide. The organization has 110 trained volunteers and actively advocates to destigmatize suicide and mental health. Volunteers over the age of 21 are accepted and need to attend a compulsory preview followed by eight on-site training sessions. Volunteers are also expected to commit long-term to a three-hour weekly duty and a monthly overnight duty. For more information, visit https://www.befrienders.org.my/.
Second Chance Animal Society (SCSA)
Second Chance Animal Society (SCSA) based in Hulu Langat was started in 2009 following the rescue of 12 puppies at a bus stop. The organization actively works to rescue, neuter, and care for strays. The shelter has taken in 500 animals and is constantly on an adoption drive in search of good, loving, and forever homes for the strays. Run by four full-time workers and seven ground volunteers, SCSA relies mainly on help from the community and is always happy to receive a helping hand. Volunteers need to be above the age of 15 and are welcome to help out at the shelter either as individuals or as a group. Those seeking to help will be expected to commit to four hours for each slot. Duties include cleaning the kennels and bathing the dogs. Donations in cash, animal food, or cleaning supplies are appreciated. To schedule a slot to volunteer, contact Kim at +60129192263.
My Pets Haven
My Pets Haven is a small animal shelter in Setia Alam that desperately needs helping hands. The shelter has taken in rescued strays, abandoned animals, and wounded creatures. My Pets Haven is solely under the helm of Aunty Aileen and depends largely on the goodwill of volunteers. Volunteers will be given tasks such as cleaning cages, taking the dogs out for their evening walks, and feeding the animals. Volunteers of all ages are welcome to help individually or in groups, but due to the shelter’s size, only up to five volunteers are able to come in per slot. Donations in cash or kind are also appreciated. Those who wish to volunteer can book a slot at https://www.mypetshaven.org/volunteer.
Free Tree Society Kuala Lumpur
Free Tree Society Kuala Lumpur is a Malaysian environmental NGO passionate about getting the community to practice sustainable living while highlighting the urgent need to preserve against environmental degradation in Malaysia. The group runs regular programs focusing on hands-on experience to educate the public on how to preserve the environment. The group can be booked for talks and workshops. Open to all ages, volunteers at the nurseries need to make reservations in advance through the NGO’s website. To volunteer, head over to https://freetreesociety.org/index.php/volunteer/.
EcoKnights
EcoKnights, founded in 2005, is a sustainability organization that aims to empower people to embrace green living through education, conscious lifestyle changes, and impactful actions. The group collaborates with grassroots communities and various major stakeholders in running educational and interactive programs across the country. The group is run by four core team members and two interns and is looking forward to welcoming active participants to their green efforts. To learn more about volunteering with EcoKnights, visit their website: http://ecoknights.org.my/.
Credit: The Star : Metro Feed
