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‘A place to seek help in a time of need’

  • Malaysia
  • Kuala Lumpur

Desonny Tuzan

Charlie's Cafe

Charlie’s Cafe dishes up Malaysian favourites like nasi lemak and Sarawak laksa with heart — diners can pay it forward by buying a dining voucher, which are displayed on a wall within easy reach for anyone in need of a proper meal. The cafe also hires ex-offenders to help them make a fresh start. 

“I wanted to do something where we could partner with customers to contribute to society. One day, I came across a video about a guy in New York who was a banker, but had quit his job to open a pizza parlour (Rosa’s Fresh Pizza) where he introduced the ‘Pay It Forward’ programme. So I was inspired to try that concept here in Malaysia. 

We thought it would just be a small wall of vouchers. We didn’t expect that the whole wall would end up being filled with them! There was even a time that we stopped collecting new vouchers, until we had distributed all the meals to people in need.

I hire [ex-offenders] to work in kitchen roles...When I sit down with someone who wants to change, that look in their eyes is compelling enough. 

Although I was not an ex-offender, I made many mistakes in the workplace in my early years. I once made a big mistake and absconded for a few months, but my boss kept a lookout for me and invited me back to work for him. That made an impact and I thought if this man could give me a chance, I should be able to do the same for someone else.  

There was a man who walked into Charlie’s Cafe one Saturday and asked, 'Sir, can I get a meal from you? I’m jobless and I need a meal… actually, I need two. One for me, and one for my son.' 

I said okay – no questions asked. Then he said, ‘Do you remember me? I once came here and bought a Pay It Forward voucher. But I made some bad decisions and am now in debt.’

Initially, he wanted to hide outside to have his meal but I told him not to do so as I wanted him to sit in like a customer, and eat like a customer.

I look back on this encounter and am glad that someone in his situation knew Charlie’s Cafe was a place where he could seek help in a time of need.”

Read our Weekend of Good guide to Kuala Lumpur for more travel tips and ideas.

Find about more about Charlie's Cafe.

Article contributors
Photographer and Writer
Victoria Ong

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