It was a day to remember for us at Tabung Hati Nusantara (TAHN). On January 30, 2014, we packed up a car full of donated items from friends and family and made our way to Taman Melawati for the carboot sale. It was our first ever initiative to raise funds, and while it was simple, it was filled with so much hope and meaning.
The idea was straightforward: gather anything we could find; clothes, books, kitchenware, anything we can find and sell them to raise money for the Rohingya refugees. Together with friends and families, we managed to gather quite a bit.
For weeks, we had been hearing about families fleeing unimaginable violence in Myanmar, seeking safety here in Malaysia but arriving with almost nothing. They needed basic necessities like food and shelter, and we knew we had to do something, no matter how small.
The Carboot Sale Experience
The morning started early, with all of us unloading boxes and setting up our little stall. It wasn’t much but it was enough. The atmosphere at Taman Melawati’s carboot sale was lively, with people browsing, chatting, and exchanging stories. It felt good to be surrounded by so much community spirit.
Alhamdulillah, we managed to sell quite a bit! It was heartwarming to see strangers come up to support our cause. Some asked about the refugees, and we explained what we could about their situation. Others just quietly made their purchases, but their actions spoke volumes.
By the end of the day, we had raised a modest sum. It might not sound like much, but to us, it was everything. Every ringgit brought us closer to being able to help.
Why This Matters
The plight of the Rohingya refugees has been on our minds for some time now. These families have been through so much; fleeing violence and persecution, leaving behind their homes and everything they know, just to survive.
While Malaysia has offered them safety, life here isn’t easy for refugees. They face countless challenges: finding work, securing food, and living day to day with so much uncertainty. It’s heartbreaking, but it’s also what drives us.
Yesterday wasn’t just about raising money; it was about doing something, no matter how small, to show them that someone cares.
What’s Next for TAHN
As we sat down last night, exhausted but happy, we couldn’t help but feel inspired. This carboot sale was just the beginning. It showed us that even with limited resources, we can make a difference. It’s not about the size of the effort. It’s about the intention behind it.
We’re already thinking about what’s next for Tabung Hati Nusantara. There’s so much more we can do to help not only the Rohingya refugees but other marginalized communities as well. Yesterday was proof that with the support of our friends, family, and the wider community, anything is possible.
To everyone who supported us, thank you. Those who donated items, stopping by our stall, or simply encouraging us, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. You’ve helped us take our first step, and we’re excited to see where this journey will take us.
EN 
MS