MOTHER’s Day is only three days away, and the public is encouraged to commemorate this special occasion by taking part in a Charity Food Fair at the Penang Municipal Park (commonly known as Youth Park) car park on May 12.
Organised by Pertubuhan Penang Hill 84 (P84), the food fair aims to raise RM100,000 for 20 charitable homes.
Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo commended P84 chairman Datuk Jimmy Ong and his entire committee for organising the meaningful project that will feature more than 30 food stalls.
Highlighting Penang’s reputation as a food haven, Jagdeep urged all Penangites to partake in the delicious offerings for a worthy cause.
“I am delighted that P84 is doing this event on Mother’s Day. This event aligns with the state government’s vision for a family-focused, green and smart state.
“I extend my wish to all mothers for a Happy Mother’s Day in advance. I must say that every day is a Mother’s Day.
“I cannot be here without my mother, and you cannot be here without your mothers. How important she is in our lives. We must treasure our mothers. I want to thank you all for understanding the beauty and the importance of mothers.
“That is the reason why I feel so happy that this programme will take place on Mother’s Day. I shall be there to celebrate with all of you. Let us make it a great occasion,” Jagdeep told a press conference in Komtar today.
Ong said as the event coincides with Mother’s Day, he urges the public to bring along their mothers to join in for a charitable cause together.
He thanked Jagdeep for contributing RM20,000 from his office to the charity event, which has already sold 80 per cent of its tickets.
Ong also expressed his gratitude to major sponsor Lim Beng Huan and his wife, Loh Lay Choo, the founder of Emico Group, and other sponsors like YBS International Berhad, Tom Khoo & Pentronic Industries Sdn Bhd.
“We plan to donate the net proceeds to at least 20 deserving charity homes and the balance for maintenance of P84, a rest area midway at Penang Hill,” Ong explained.
He said P84, a rest area for hikers and cyclists, was built in 1986 by Lim and a group of hikers. However, due to soil erosion in 1995, the building collapsed.
However, in 2018, Ong and his committee members undertook the task of refurbishing and rebuilding the rest area. It was subsequently launched and opened to the public in 2019.
The entire project cost of RM150,000 was self-funded through contributions from private donors and sponsors.
“Thus, P84 stands as a testament to the collective vision and resilience of public, private partnership model,” Ong said.
Among those who attended the meeting were food fair committee members Lim Beng Huan, Lim Lay Choo (both Emico Group Advisers), Ng Hong Kiat (Emico Independent Director), Deryl Lim Yan Hong (Emico Business Development Executive), Tan Chin Peng and volunteer Catt Oon Na Na.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar