Ewon hands over food baskets to Kadamaian Upko branches
28 July 2021
By Marryan Razan
KOTA BELUD: Kadamaian Assemblyman Datuk Ewon Benedick handed over food baskets to United Progressive Kinabalu Organisation (Upko) Kadamaian branches to be distributed to families in need.
Ewon stated that so far more than 500 food baskets have been delivered through Upko branches throughout the Kadamaian constituency after launching the Food Basket Assistance Programme since the Movement Control Order (MCO) was commenced in June.
“Apart from the allocation channelled from myself as the assemblyman, we also received various donations in the form of goods from various companies and philanthropic individuals.
“Among those who have contributed a lot to the food basket assistance programme at my Service Center are the members of Upko Kadamaian themselves.
"Therefore, it is appropriate for me to return the favour to these Upko branches," he said.
Ewon, who is also the party's vice president, urged all members of the branches to be involved in serving the people.
"This will be a continuous role of leadership at the branch level," he added.
According to Ewon, he received many complaints regarding the assistance programme implemented by the current state government.
"The previous government had spent more than RM30 million on food baskets under the Covid assistance package.
"During that period the community development leaders unit (UPPM) conducted a similar programme and it was well-received by the people.
"However, the current state government today also announced an allocation of more than RM30 million for the programme but it was executed differently from the previous one. Nowadays it is only for targeted people, and this affected many other households who are in dire need," he said.
Ewon also expressed his sincere appreciation to the philanthropists who have ensured the smooth running of the Service Center food basket assistance programme.
"Many called me about their willingness to help and contribute. I am confident that the spirit of solidarity where the people to take care of the people in the Kadamaian can be interpreted.
"I would like to thank the philanthropists on behalf of the families who received assistance from these donations."
At the same time, Ewon said he will continue to work with the churches in Kadamaian to identify households that are in need of food baskets.
Earlier during his visit at the SIB Kg Tengkurus Church today, he also presented 55 food baskets for households that had been listed by the pastor, including at Kg Gandukut, Kg Lahanas and Kg Panampatan churches.
