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New Post has been published on http://www.therakyatpost.com/life/people-life/2014/10/03/busking-help-special-needs-children/

Busking to help special-needs children

MUSICIAN Ridzwan Abdul Rahman and his childhood friend Nasaruddin Lot, a food stall owner, have turned busking into a community service to benefit the underprivileged.

On Mondays and Saturdays from 11.30am to 3.30pm, stall No. 8 at Taman Desa Keramat’s food court in Kuala Lumpur comes alive with buskers playing cheerful tunes.

Nasaruddin, who owns the stall, has invited Ridzwan and his friends to set up a “charity corner” at his premises and proceeds from donations will benefit special-needs children.

With special-needs children of his own, Ridzwan Abdul Rahman knows all too well the challenges of getting assistance for these youngsters. — Pic by Azrol Ali.

Ridzwan knows all too well the challenges of getting assistance for these youngsters, as two of his three offspring are special-needs children.

“My eldest (22-year-old) child is physically handicapped and I tried to request for aid to lessen our burden. But it was hard. If it was hard for me, there may be others who are in an even more difficult position,” says Ridzwan.

With two of his friends, Ridzwan formed The Lovezs, performing at various restaurants around Kuala Lumpur to raise funds which are channelled to Pertubuhan OKU Sayang Malaysia, a body registered with the Welfare Department.

Nasaruddin Lot was moved to help special-needs individuals following his personal experience with a relative. — Pic by Azrol Ali.

Ridzwan has been performing with The Lovezs at Nasaruddin’s stall for the past seven months.

Nasaruddin was equally moved to help special-needs individuals following his personal experience with a relative.

“It all started seven to eight months ago when my mother-in-law went to perform the umrah (pilgrimage). I had to take care of my brother-in-law who had to be assisted in doing everything and it was very challenging. It occurred to me then that there were many families out there with similar experiences,”

Encouraging response from stall patrons. — Pic by Azrol Ali.

Nasaruddin and Ridzwan got together and decided to launch a community-based fundraising project.

“I knew that Ridzwan was raising funds for Pertubuhan OKU Sayang Malaysia, so I Invited him to perform at my stall,” says Nasaruddin.

Ridzwan and Nasaruddin are happy that response from stall patrons has been encouraging.

“It is not an obligation for patrons to donate. But any amount from them is much appreciated. Sincerity is the key,” says Nasaruddin.

Ridzwan Abdul Rahman (right) enjoys performing as he has been in the music industry for some time. — Pic by Azrol Ali.

Ridzwan, whose involvement in the music industry went as far back as 1987 as a drummer for a band called Chapters, feels the same way.

“I enjoy performing. Besides Malay and English, I can sing songs in Chinese, Thai and even Korean, and I also entertain requests from the audience,” he says, smiling.

Catch The Lovezs at Taman Desa Keramat Food Court on Mondays and Saturdays from 11.30am and 3.30pm. The Lovezs is also available for bookings. Call 012-308-1603.