In a heartfelt gesture to celebrate the spirit of Ramadan, Birkin International Hotel opened its doors to 35 children and their 15 caretakers from Rumah Anak-Anak Yatim Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Al-Haj (RAYSAS) for a special iftar gathering at the newly inaugurated Birkin Kitchen. The event was a celebration of community, unity, and the warmth of festive traditions.
RAYSAS, a dedicated orphanage in Melaka, was founded in 2002 to provide shelter and education to orphans and underprivileged children. With a vision to nurture independent, competitive, and successful individuals, the orphanage is a beacon of hope and care for its residents. Originally supported by contributions from various organizations, including MAIM and the Negeri Melaka Dakwah Trust Fund, RAYSAS continues to stand strong in its mission.
The evening’s festivities began with an azan recital by Haiqal Shamien, a resident of RAYSAS, marking the moment for iftar and followed by Maghrib prayers. This sacred ritual set the tone for a celebration of togetherness and reflection.
The event was graced by the presence of Malaysia’s beloved songstress, Datuk Nora Ariffin, who brought the evening to life with her captivating performances. Her renditions of iconic songs such as “Dilema,” “Desa Tercinta,” and the festive classic “Suasana Hari Raya” filled the air with joy, creating an unforgettable experience for the children and guests alike.
In a touching display of unity, the Birkin International Hotel’s staff serenaded the children with a heartfelt Raya song, spreading cheer and uplifting the spirits of everyone present. The children were also treated to a beautiful traditional Ghazal melody performed by Kumpulan Muzik Asli Dendang Irama, adding a cultural flair to the evening’s celebrations.
Simon Tan, General Manager of Birkin International Hotel, shared his thoughts on the event, saying, “At Birkin International Hotel, sustainability isn’t just about how we operate; it’s about the impact we have on the community. Our corporate social responsibility extends beyond festive occasions. We are committed to fostering long-term, meaningful relationships with the community we serve.”
Ustaz Atqullah Muhammad, Manager of Rumah Anak-Anak Yatim Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah Al-Haj, expressed his gratitude: “While most children enjoy Ramadan surrounded by their families, many of our children do not have that support. Events like this one bring a sense of joy and belonging. We are deeply thankful to Simon and his team for their generosity and kindness.”
After the iftar, Birkin International Hotel team surprised the children with festive hampers, a thoughtful gesture that added an extra touch of joy to the evening.
The children and caretakers then joined the hotel team to enjoy a sumptuous buffet, “Suasana Kampung,” a pre-festive spread at Birkin Kitchen that evoked the warmth and nostalgia of home-cooked meals. The buffet featured signature dishes such as “Grang Asam Tetel,” “Ayam Kampung Berempah,” “Paru Goreng Berempah,” “Perut Masak Lemak Rebung,” and the crowd favorite “Birkin Briyani.” These delicacies, crafted with heartwarming spices, made for a memorable meal celebrating tradition and family.
Birkin International Hotel remains dedicated to its role as a socially responsible hospitality leader, with a continued commitment to sustainable giving and fostering strong ties within the community. This iftar gathering serves as a reminder of the power of compassion and unity, especially during the blessed month of Ramadan.
Through initiatives like this, Birkin International Hotel proves that the true essence of hospitality lies not only in providing services but in making a meaningful impact on the lives of those who need it most.
