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Children are a parent’s pride and joy, and this was so for our SMOU members who welcomed a new born in the year of 2021. In celebration of SMOU 70th Anniversary year, a ‘SMOU Baby Gift Hamper’ was launched at the start of 2021 to present a gift to SMOU members who had newborns with their birth year coinciding with this momentous occasion. SMOU reached out and connected with families through this outreach to share in their happiness and congratulate them on their new additions with a baby gift hamper, as well as a care pack for them to stay safe during this period.
SMOU member of 3 years Jefrizal Bin Juari, who just had his third child said that he appreciated the gesture from SMOU. “More than just the monetary value of the item, it was a very personal touch from SMOU to be there at your life’s momentous events,” he said.
“I would like to express my pride and pleasure of being an SMOU member. While having an extensive outreach, SMOU has also managed to develop a close rapport with its members.”
For SMOU member of 10 years Selvakumar S/O Paneer Selvam and his wife, they were excited and eager to know that they were receiving the SMOU baby hamper. Notably, the ‘pull-up Drypers’ diaper was the item that caught their attention from the hamper, saying that it was very useful when bringing the baby out.
“My wife, my son and I wish to express our heartiest appreciation to SMOU for gifting us the SMOU Baby Hamper,” Selvakumar wished, while also communicating his anticipation for future SMOU family activities.
Young SMOU Member Muhd. Syafiq B Adanan was a recipient of the SMOU Baby Hamper, and he was in an interesting situation leading up to the birth of his daughter. Syafiq told SeaVoices that his daughter was birthed while he was halfway through his contract on ship. Seafarers are sometimes faced with the difficult decision to choose between going out to sea, and staying on shore to be present for occasions and milestones.
Syafiq, while deliberating on accepting a 6-month contract and being fully aware that his wife’s pregnancy was due in 3 months, was also at a crucial node in his seafaring career. Knowing that his family and in-laws were able to support and help his wife through the pregnancy and delivery, he was at ease and decided to sail and get some income for his family.
A few days before the delivery day, Syafiq received news that his wife had contracted COVID-19 with mild symptoms. As a result, his wife had to isolate from the family, and limited help could be given. This made Syafiq anxious. To make matters worse due to some complications, the doctors had to perform a cesarean delivery instead, which lasted longer than it was supposed to. This threw Syafiq further into a mode of panic and helpless. “I can still remember, I did not sleep during those 2 days leading up to the delivery, just waiting for news,” he recalled.
Fortunately, after an 8-hour operation, he received news that his wife and daughter were safe and healthy, and immediately all the weight was lifted off his shoulders. “When I finally came back at the airport three months later, was the first time I held my daughter,” said the proud father. He also gave credit to his other half for being a strong support for his career pursuit saying, “I am lucky to have a very understanding and patient spouse.”
“I find this Baby Hamper is a good initiative. SMOU to me feels like a family. To have SMOU as an organisation and the people in it celebrate this milestone with me, feels heartwarming and touching.” Apart from the SMOU Baby Hamper, he also said that it feels good that SMOU is also there for him in other areas, and he appreciates the friendship he shares with the Union.
As SMOU extends their 70th Anniversary celebration in 2022 to commemorate the significant milestone, the SMOU Baby Gift Hamper will also be presented to SMOU members with babies born in 2022. For members who are eligible for this hamper, you may sign up via this link:
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