Total Pampering, 19 Mar 2010
By PRISCILLA DIELENBERG, The Star Online
Help-Portrait volunteers snapping the family portrait of shipping executive M. Kala, 42, and her three daughters S. Saraswathy, 20, (left) S. Yogeswary, 18, (right) and S. Yuvanes, 11, (front) at a special pampering session which was part of the Penang state Women, Family and Community Development Committee’s celebration commemorating 100 years of International Women’s Day.
AS single mothers, they work hard to support their children and care for them.
In recognition of all their sacrifices, 40 of these women in Penang were honoured with a special pampering session which included a makeover and free family portraits.
The event at the Town Hall in George Town on March 6 was organised by the Women’s Centre for Change (WCC) Penang and the Women’s Service Centre Seberang Prai in partnership with Help-Portrait Penang.
It was part of the state Women, Family and Community Develop-ment Committee’s celebration commemorating 100 years of International Women’s Day.
WCC service co-ordinator Annie Yeap said the women were treated to a makeover and a solo photography session while their children attended an interactive workshop.
Their children later joined them for their respective family portraits.
The single mothers were also treated to games and lunch.
The women were able to share experiences and exchange ideas at the gathering.
Photographers Michelle Low and Yeoh Ming Tze said Help-Portrait was a global body of photographers and other volunteers who shoot free portraits for deserving groups for them to keep as mementos.
They said that in Malaysia, a group in Penang adopted the concept about four months ago and had been planning this event since late December.
“There are 12 of us, five photographers and the rest are make-up artists, hairstylists and other volunteers. This is our first activity,” they said.
Help-Portrait volunteers giving single mothers Rosnah Abdul Rahim, 30, (foreground, in chair) and M. Kala, 42, (background, right) a makeover at a special pampering session which was part of the Penang state Women, Family and Community Development Committee’s celebration commemorating 100 years of International Women’s Day.
The group sourced their own sponsors, such as Masterlab Digital for the printing of photographs, Suiwah Corporation for photo frames, First Photography for the loan of equipment, and Avon Beauty Boutique for the make-up sets.
Shipping executive M. Kala, 42, was left to care for her three daughters S. Saraswathy, 20, S. Yogeswary, 18, and S. Yuvanes, 11, following the death of her husband through illness four years ago.
“The first few months were not easy, especially on days when I had to leave my three girls alone at home,” said Kala.
She added that she was very pleased with the opportunity to have studio pictures taken of her family.
Kala was given a makeover but she herself saw to the finishing touches of her excited girls’ make-up and wardrobe for the photo session.
Businesswoman Rosnah Abdul Rahim, 30, said she had wanted to have a photo taken with her daughter Nuralieshya Muhammad Syazwan, five, and son Muha-mmad Faris Ikhwan 10, since Hari Raya Aidilfitri last year but could not find the time to do so.
“It’s also quite costly. I made inquiries and it costs more than RM70 for just three prints,” said Rosnah who has filed for a divorce.
Marketing clerk Eleen Lim Ee Ling, 25, and her hyperactive two-year-old daughter Lim En Qi having lunch at a special pampering session which was part of the Penang state Women, Family and Community Development Committee’s celebration commemorating 100 years of International Women’s Day.
Marketing clerk Eleen Lim Ee Ling, 25, was left to care for her hyperactive two-year-old daughter Lim En Qi following her separation from her husband four months ago.
“I’m glad for the opportunity to be photographed with my little girl even though I had not planned to do so before this. And such photographs are not cheap,” she said.