THE year 2020 has been rather challenging. Much devastation has been caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, but it has also brought the people closer in the face of adversity.
Some companies chose to share what they can give and be contented with what they have, while others decided to boost the morale of their own staff by decorating their premises with giant Christmas trees, big candy canes and Christmas baubles.
To celebrate its 20th anniversary this year, M Summit Group has started a string of year-long corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities a year ago.
The Group had decided to spread the season of giving throughout the year instead of just the Christmas period.
The Group has chosen ‘Gift To Penang’ as its theme and mission for its 20th anniversary.
Instead of holding a big lavish bash, the Group contributed 20,000 face masks to the Penang government, distributed face masks to the homeless in Komtar, donated books and clothes to St Joseph’s Home, cooked Chinese New Year lunch for Rumah Charis old folk, gave pet food to 4Paws and Cat Beach and gave away back-to-school items worth RM11,000 to needy pupils.
The Group’s corporate communications manager Ng Su-Ann said there is never more a need to spread joy than this challenging year.
“We put up our jolly green giant Christmas tree, adorned by poinsettias made by 300 recyclable bottles, outside Menara M Summit in Magazine Road.
“These Christmas flowers also decked our 6m-tall Christmas tree last year. We want to promote the green message while sharing the festive spirit with the public,” she told Buletin Mutiara on Dec 9.
M Summit 191 Executive Hotel Suites general manager Moh Wei Ken led a team of 10 people to put up all the ornaments.
“It took us five days to put up the tree. We have another smaller tree at our hotel lobby on Level 14,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Eastern & Oriental (E&O) Hotel welcomed the festive season online as the storied heritage hotel continued its cherished Christmas tree lighting tradition for the 17th year – but in a notable first, via the virtual way.
The usual large crowd of invited guests was absent from the hotel’s Heritage Wing on Dec 1 to witness E&O Hotel general manager Alison Fraser lighting the 6m-tall Christmas tree under the famed echo dome.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the hotel had cancelled its annual gathering in full compliance to the health and safety regulations.
Not wanting to disappoint the guests, the hotel invited everyone to join in the celebration online through Facebook and Instagram Live.
“We are so glad to see that Christmas will be such a joyous occasion as always at the E&O Hotel and that many people will want to come and share their celebrations with us in the hotel, around the beautifully decorated tree or in our outlets,” Fraser said.
At Ivory Properties Group Berhad, the Group finds new ways to connect with one another and evoke the festive cheer.
Ivory Properties Group Berhad corporate communications manager Chris Koay said the movement restrictions and the pandemic have dampened the festive mood.
“Undoubtedly, it has been a tough year. Still, we feel that it is more important than ever to celebrate the joyous occasion with our colleagues and loyal purchasers.
“For obvious reasons, ‘traditional’ office parties are off-limits this year. We have to find new ways to stay connected and abide by the restrictions.
“We want everyone to have a good time, boost their morale and have something to look forward to next year,” Koay said.
He said the decorations at Ivory Tower, Penang Times Square, had been put up at the end of last month to bring up the festive spirit.
“We have also donated RM20,000 to Sima Handicapped Centre, in aid of the Sima Disabled Training Fund, to spread the joy of giving.
“The centre was set up in 2004 to provide support and training to the disabled community,” Koay said.
M Summit 191 Executive Hotel Suites has just launched its Ho-Ho-Holiday Package festive promotion this year; while the M Summit Group initiated its RISE (Relief, Incentive, Stimulus, Excitement) Programme to help aspiring home owners overcome the pandemic gloom.
E&O Hotel has come up with exciting F&B packages for the year-end festivities at the Sarkies, Java Tree, Palm Court and Farquhar’s Bar.
Ivory Properties offers attractive discounts for its City Residence and The Wave projects.
Those interested can contact the respective companies for more details.
Meanwhile, Gurney Plaza, Queensbay Mall and 1st Avenue Mall were among the shopping malls that have put up their Christmas decorations.
Workers were seen constantly sanitising the frequently touched surfaces at the ‘A Sweet Escape Christmas’ area at the lower ground floor of 1st Avenue Mall.
Visitors thronged Gurney Plaza to capture the beautiful Christmas decorations there. The ‘hello! LONDON’ promotions are now ongoing from Dec 7 this year to Jan 3, 2021.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Chan Kok Kuan, Eng Kok Wei, Christopher Tan and courtesy of the companies
