Help us, help Rahim!
Rahim Yusoff was born with just three fingers attached to his shoulders.
The 54 year old, who has a tailoring and alteration shop in Pulai Chondong, Kelantan said that despite his disability, he is grateful to have two normal legs and feet, allowing him to sew. He shares three children (18,16 & 9) with his wife, Noraidah, who is paralysed from the waist down.
We first started working with Rahim in December 2019, where he was one of the tailors we engaged for our Haute Couture Fashion Show in the Louvre Museum, during Paris Fashion Week 2020. When we had met Rahim, it was clear that he was an honest working man, just looking to provide for his family and to give his three children the opportunities that he didn't have access too.
We were impressed with his workmanship and the focus that he put into the designs that he helped sew. So when we decided to produce our own range of products, we wanted Rahim to be involved.
The reason for this fundraiser, is to help Rahim raise money so that he can purchase new sewing machines, to replace the ones that were stolen from his home. Any amount is appreciated, no matter how big or small. The money raised (minus the platform fees) will go to him and U4B will not take any commissions.
Get to know Rahim Yusof...
Why did you choose sewing?
I chose to be self-employed as i'm trying to support my family on my own. For people with disabilities, finding a job can be very difficult. Especially if you handicapped like me. I am thankful that I was given the advantage of sewing using my feet. I went to sewing school after my SPM, at first I was not accepted but I was able to convince my teacher that I could sew, and I spent a lot of time improving my skills.
Apart from sewing, have you done any other form of work?
I have done many things for the sake of my family, mainly involving farming in my village.. I have raised everything from ducks to sell salted duck eggs to cows and goats, to be sold in the festive season.
Can you tell me a little more about your family life?
Alhamdulillah, I am married to my wife, Noraidah. She is also disabled and is paralyzed from the waist down. We are blessed with 3 daughters. The eldest is 18, 16 and 9 years old. All are still studying.
What do you think about the fashion industry right now?
The fashion industry is just starting to get back on track and in some areas it's booming. I see on TV that there is so much technology available now compared to 10 or 20years ago, I am just a villager, if there is an opportunity to learn or try the latest technology, I I would welcome it with open arms. I'd like to practise and use modern sewing machines, which will speed up the process of the products I can produce.
What do you think about upcycling?
I think there is more work involved sometimes as it involves taking apart clothes to make new clothes. I like to gain new skills and learn about the upcycling process. I enjoy learning how to sew the different kinds of bags so I can sell more designs and more products. Thank you to Upcycle4Better for teaching me and being part of this initiative.
Finally, what do you hope for your future?
I hope I can inspire other people who haven't had the same opportunities to work with me and help sew these bags & craft products, so that they can support their families too and I hope that U4B can help offer consistent work for me.