Widowed cashier juggling work, childcare receives food supplies from NGO

KUCHING (Feb 10): Hope Place Kuching is providing regular basic food assistance to a single mother of three who is facing financial hardship following the death of her husband last year.

The non-governmental organisation (NGO) recently handed over the aid to Josephine Hirado, who lives with her children, aged between two to nine, in Kampung Sikog, Mile 14 Jalan Puncak Borneo.

Hope Place said Josephine’s husband passed away from bone cancer in March last year, leaving her as the sole breadwinner for the family.

She currently works full-time as a cashier, earning about RM1,300 per month.

According to the charitable organisation, Josephine works from 2pm to 10pm daily.

Due to her working hours, her mother helps her to care for her older children, while her youngest child stays with in-laws on weekdays and returns home on weekends.

Hope Place added that Josephine found it difficult to speak about her late husband, as doing so often brings back painful memories.

She shared that her older children frequently ask when their father will return home.

Josephine said she tells them their father ‘had gone to the moon’, as she does not have the heart to explain that he has passed away.

“Whenever they see the moon at night, they will think of their father,” she added.

The NGO said it welcomes public support to continue assisting other individuals and families in need.

Those wishing to contribute may call Hope Place Kuching on 082-505987 or 013-5672775.

Donations can be made to its Maybank account 511289001160 or via the S Pay Global QR code available on its Facebook page.

Receipts will be issued upon request.