SINGAPORE: A video from Asian Boss about a second-generation hawker who sells all the dishes in her stall for $2.50 has gone viral on YouTube, getting over 125,000 views in just five days.
Hani Isnin-Racine, 41, runs the stall with her parents, whom The Independent Singapore first wrote about in October. She starts work before 2 am, and the stall serves between 200 and 250 diners each day. The reason why they start so early is that many seniors come first thing in the morning before heading down to medical appointments such as dialysis sessions.
Ms Hani and her parents have been praised by many in Singapore for keeping their prices low despite inflation and the rising cost of living, especially since they’ve had to make sacrifices to keep the stall going.
None of the three draws a salary from the stall, which Ms Hani says just about breaks even. When asked how this is sustainable, she simply replied that her parents have their savings to fall back on, while her husband works in the United Kingdom and sends her money each month.
The long-distance marriage itself is a sacrifice, she admitted.
But because the stall is located at Jalan Kukoh, one of the poorest neighbourhoods in Singapore, and most of its residents are senior citizens who live in rental flats, they don’t have the heart to change their prices. There are also a number of single mothers in the community.
“They need our food,” said Ms Hani’s mum. Though she’s 70 and already has health issues, her love of cooking for others keeps her going strong. In return, she is thankful that “all of the people” who come to the hawker centre are praying for her. She is also thankful for her “resilient” daughter, who keeps the stall going.
The good news is that Give Asia is now collaborating with Ms Hani’s stall, helping with meals for the elderly through The Kindness Shop here.
Asian Boss’ video has received almost 800 comments, with many expressing admiration for Ms Hani and her parents.
“Hani and her parents are truly kind.. I cried watching this,” wrote one, while another commented, “This family is living the true values of Islam. May God bless this family for their sacrifices and good deeds.”
One YouTube user said, “She should get an award from the government. She’s doing a great service to the community.”
Another appeared to agree, suggesting, “This is where the government should help. Because it’s so cheap, they should not have to pay rent or electricity or water for the shop. They’re doing a public service.”
For some, the fact that Ms Hani is a double degree holder in law and economics from the National University of Singapore makes their sacrifices even more praiseworthy.
“Bless this beautiful family of angels (including Hani’s husband and his family of origin). For those who don’t know, Hani graduated from the National University of Singapore with double degree in law and economics. She could easily rake in a 5-digit salary and provide a luxurious life for herself and her parents,” a commenter wrote, adding, “But they chose to sacrifice themselves for the community.” /TISG