During these trying times, helping underprivileged communities has never felt more urgent and necessary. Whether you’re looking for gifts or filling your hungry stomach, you can make your purchase go a little further by supporting local businesses that give back to the community!
When you shop from these local businesses below, you’re also helping to put food on refugees’ tables, sending Orang Asli youths to school, ending poverty cycles, and more!
1. PichaEats
Foodies, look no further—you can now satisfy your food cravings while supporting a good cause! Founded by a group of university students, PichaEats gathers refugee chefs to bring mouth-watering global flavours to Malaysians’ tables, while we put food on theirs.
Other than food delivery, they also offer catering services for occasions like buffets, weddings, and corporate events. 50% of the revenue goes to the refugee chefs so that they can support their families and send their children to school. What’s better than celebrating meaningful moments while making a delicious impact?
How to support: Order food delivery or support their catering services.
2. Projek57
Projek57 wishes to inspire Malaysian youths with patriotism and unity through collaboration projects with educational institutions and youth organisations. They also sell a wide range of merchandise that scream patriotism, from tote bags to t-shirts and even Batik face masks sewn by marginalised communities!
Better yet, 100% of their profits go to empowering the Orang Asli youths through scholarships and internships. The brand shares the vision of our first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman, that ‘Our future depends on how well many different kinds of people can live and work together’.
How to support: Shop on their official website.
3. Fugeelah
“We want people to wear the change they want to see in the world.” Founded by Deborah Henry, Fugeelah is a women-led jewellery brand built to fund Fugee School, a non-profit organisation that provides free education to children and youths who seek refuge in Malaysia.
Other than selling handmade jewellery, Fugeelah has also collaborated with Uniqlo to produce a T-shirt line featuring the artwork of refugee students! It is hoped that each piece of fashion item can be a conversation starter to spread awareness regarding the refugee community.
How to support: Shop on their official website
Dedicated to ending the cycle of poverty in rural areas, Batik Boutique trains marginalised artisans to produce and sell fashion items, gifts, and lifestyle products made of Batik. To date, they have employed over 300 artisans and trained over 150 women, enabling them to provide for themselves and their families!
In addition to empowering the marginalised communities, Batik Boutique also uses a portion of its revenue to support other impact projects, such as refugee education and capacity-building training. They’re such an inspiration to all Malaysians!
How to support: Shop on their official website
Autism Café Project is founded by Mohd Adli Yahya, a loving father who is concerned about the future of his autistic son. Originally built for his son, the cafe has come a long way, employing more autistic youths who handle a wide range of tasks, from cooking to serving and cleaning!
Besides serving various local delights, they also offer catering services and accept bulk orders, which are their main income sources. Not only that, but they also sell a variety of products made by the autistic community, such as handicrafts, printed T-shirts, desserts, and hampers!
How to support:
- Visit their cafe at MIJ International Hub, Kota Damansara
- Shop on their official website
Inadequate transport infrastructure as well as weak connectivity in rural areas can limit farmers’ access to larger markets and customer bases. Hence, Langit aspires to bridge the gap between rural farmers and urban economic opportunities!
Their agricultural produce is sourced directly from smallholder farmers in East Malaysia, and 35% of the retail proceeds are given to the farmers. To cultivate gratitude for local farmers, Langit also offers experiential trips that allow customers to plant and harvest fresh produce!
How to support: Shop on their official website
We believe that there are still many other businesses that aren’t listed above. If you happen to know any inspiring local brands that support a good cause, tag them in the comments below so we can support one another during this pandemic and beyond! #kitajagakita
