Yayasan Suria secures home, boosts Johor charity work

Yayasan Kebajikan Suria Kawasan Permas, or Yayasan Suria, officially opened its new premises today.

This milestone marks 12 years of dedicated service to communities in need across Johor Bahru and beyond.

A permanent home for Yayasan Suria

The newly acquired property is a two-storey “shop-house” located in Johor Jaya.

The ground floor serves as an office and storage space, while the upper floor will be rented out to generate income for operational costs.

“We are grateful to have secured this property below its market value, thanks to the generosity of a supporter,” said James Ho, Yayasan Suria’s founder and secretary.

Fundraising efforts, including a gala dinner last November, further financed the purchase.

Owning a permanent premise represents a significant achievement for Yayasan Suria.

“It signifies our commitment to long-term service,” said Ho, who is affectionately known as “Uncle James,” explained.

“Having a stable location provides reassurance to donors and fosters a sense of permanence for our operations.”

A growing legacy of helping others

Ho, a former plantation manager and cancer survivor, established Yayasan Suria in 2012 with the mission of aiding the underprivileged.

He assisted the poor, marginalised, homeless, those living with HIV/AIDS, and other disadvantaged members of society.

From its humble beginnings with just two volunteers, Yayasan Suria has grown into a dedicated organization with 47 volunteers ready to assist whenever needed.

Beyond their core beneficiaries, the organisation collaborates with other NGOs and charities, contributing provisions and participating in joint relief efforts during natural disasters in Johor.

Their recent collaboration with Ihsan Johor provided support to flood victims in temporary shelters across the state.

This new facility signifies a bright future for Yayasan Suria.

Owning their own space allows them to operate more efficiently and expand their services.

With a permanent home and a growing network of supporters, Yayasan Suria is well-positioned to continue making a positive impact on the lives of those in need throughout Johor Bahru and beyond.