IPOH: Every Wednesday and Thursday, a crowd of people, mainly elderly, make a beeline to the playground of First Garden for a hearty chicken curry lunch. The food is distributed free to anyone irrespective of race, religion or age. According to the Soup Kitchen Chairman, James Soosai, an average of 60 - 70 people turn up at each session.

Our Lady of Lourdes Soup Kitchen was initiated by Catherine Rajah’s Group and FMDM Sisters of the Parish of Our Mother of Perpetual Help (OMPH), together with the members of the Parish Integral Human Development Ministry of the Parish of Our Lady of Lourdes. The Soup Kitchen was started during Lent (March 2009).

The first feeding was set up near some low-cost flats. Some 60-70 persons are served lunch every Wednesday and Thursday. The second feeding centre was set up in Kelabang in February 2010 and caters for 40-50 poor people lunch every Thursday.

At the moment funding for the running of the Soup Kitchen comes from various individuals and organisations from OLOL, BEC and Service Groups of OLOL, Catherine Rajah’s Group (OMPH) and other individuals and organisations.

A monthly statement listing out receipts and payments is prepared and copies are given to the Parish Priest of OLOL and the Chairman of PIHD of OLOL.