Every lunchtime, Jason Chua would dish out 40 to 50 bowls of his “creative zhap cai png” for a crowd of Central Business District-types. Ever since the “circuit breaker” measures kicked in on 7 April, the 28-year-old has barely been able to hit 10 orders a day of his pasta and rice bowls.
Some of his neighbours at Hong Lim Market and Food Centre have even resorted to shuttering completely.
But this ‘Beng Who Cooks’ – the name of his stall – vows to continue showing up every day, for as long as he’s got at least one customer: An 80-year-old blind man, whom he’s promised to provide with one meal a day for a month.
This man is the first beneficiary of the ‘Beng Who Cares Foundation’, which Chua and his partner Hung Zhen Long, 27, initiated a day before the enhanced safe-distancing measures took effect. Those in need can place their order – no questions asked – a day in advance.
Chua, who has been running the stall for two years, said: “As long as we don’t die, we carry everyone, so everyone survives together.”
That seems to be pretty much the mantra of several hawkers who have taken to social media to offer assistance to anyone struggling to get by, even as food and beverage businesses are themselves scrambling to stay afloat.
The Curry Rice Stall at Timbre+, for instance, pledged to feed anyone who can’t afford a meal. “If you are hungry, I don’t wanna hear your story. Just tell my staff, ‘spare a meal’,” the stall’s owner said in a Facebook post. “Do not feel embarrassed as we all need help at times.”
Another stall, Jun Yuan House Of Fish, has gained attention recently for hiring a loyal customer who had lost his job.
DON’T NEED MONEY, JUST SPREAD THE WORD
The ‘Beng Who Cares Foundation’ started “accidentally” when a close friend reached out to Chua with a heart-wrenching story of an elderly uncle begging for loose change. Given the money, he quickly bought and wolfed down a goreng pisang (fried banana) and a cup of coffee.
That’s when Chua and Hung came up with the initiative, with that friend’s financial backing. “He told me, don’t care about money. Just spread the word and make this happen,” Chua said.
And spread the word they did.
In a video message posted on Instagram, Hung said: “Don’t worry guys, if you need help just come forward. Very easy one. Just message us and collect your food. We don’t need proof.”
Overnight, the post gathered over 700 likes, with even celebrities like Fiona Xie sharing it, said Chua.
At least seven individuals and families in need have come forward.
The duo have just one request: Don’t send them any monetary donations, as they have the means to finance the free meals – just help get the word out to those who could benefit.
Read more here.
Source: Channel NewsAsia, 10 April 2020