IN celebration of its 69th anniversary, the Che Hoon Khor Moral Uplifting Society Penang today distributed red packets to 2,500 senior citizens, people with disabilities and orphanages.
Since its establishment in 1954, Che Hoon Khor Moral Uplifting Society has inculcated the meaning and essence of moral education to the community.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said he was glad to attend the remarkable event again after a three-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“It is my pleasure to be here as this event was halted previously due to the pandemic.
“I am extremely overwhelmed to be with the recipients to share the joy and excitement no matter how challenging it has been in the past.
“Che Hoon Khor Moral Uplifting Society Penang should be commended for their noble efforts, especially today for giving out red packets to a total of 11 charitable homes in the state.
“This is truly commendable because I have attended several fundraising programmes organised by other non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
“Many of them have been impacted by the pandemic,” he said during the event at Che Hoon Khor Moral Uplifting Society in Macalister Road today.
The 11 organisations were SK Pendidikan Khas Persekutuan, SM Pendidikan Khas Persekutuan, Persekutuan Kebajikan Anak-anak Yatim Lelaki Islam Pulau Pinang, Persekutuan Kebajikan Anak-anak Yatim Perempuan Islam Pulau Pinang, Persatuan Kebajikan Kanak-kanak Terencat Akal Pulau Pinang, St. Nicholas Home Penang, Pusat Kanak-Kanak Istimewa Pulau Pinang, The Ramakrishna Ashrama, Eden Handicap Service Centre Bhd, Penang Cheshire Home and The Spastic Children’s Association of Penang.
Meanwhile, Chow noted that 10 per cent of the society’s population were now on the verge of heading towards the category of senior citizens.
“It is a challenge for the state as we will need to come up with various policies that will prioritise the senior citizens and people with disabilities.
“The state government has spent RM413 million for various programmes under i-Sejahtera, disabled, senior citizens, single mothers, and the Golden Child Programme,” he said.
Chow expressed his hopes that corporate bodies could step forward to financially support the charitable homes.
Che Hoon Khor Moral Uplifting Society Penang president Datuk Sim Ah Chye said the red packets given out were meant as a token of appreciation.
“It comes from the bottom of our hearts and it symbolises our deep respect, gratitude and care for those contributing to our society.
“Our senior citizens are the pillars of wisdom in our community,” he said.
The old folks who attended the event were from the Silver Jubilee Home For The Aged, The Penang Home For the Infirm & Aged, Relau Rumah Charis Bhd and Little Sister of the Poor.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Alissala Thian
Video by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat