THE Malaysian Red Crescent (MRC) Penang Chapter has managed to raise RM489,000 this year, making it another successful fundraising event in support of its activities in the state.
MRC Penang Chapter Annual Fundraising Dinner 2023 organising chairman Alan Lau said the organisation also broke its own record of hosting its largest annual dinner this evening with 78 tables.
“All our work at MRC Penang Chapter would not be possible without the support from you, ladies and gentlemen. Your presence, generous donations and continuous support motivate us to serve the community better.
“For 75 years, our mission has been to provide humanitarian aid, relief and support to those in need.
“With this in mind, our responders, officers and members have time and time again put ourselves in the forefront of serving the community.
“We have consistently worked tirelessly around the clock and volunteered for meaningful initiatives, to alleviate suffering, promote health, and empower individuals and communities,” he said in his speech during the dinner at St Giles The Wembley Hotel today.
The annual dinner was also held to celebrate its important milestone – the 75th Anniversary of the MRC.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow commended the MRC Penang Chapter for its humanitarian work.
“You have always risen to the occasion in times of disasters and road accidents.
“The Penang government has always viewed the MRC Penang Chapter as an important partner in rescue work and in times of disasters.
“It is a yearly affair that the MRC Penang Chapter organises activities to train its members in first aid, pre-hospital care and disaster relief; and to carry out several humanitarian projects for the less fortunate people in our community.
“One outstanding activity, in terms of service to the community, is the Community Based Ambulance Service (ComBase) which started in 2008.
“In April 2022, the Taman Iping station was incorporated into the Health Ministry’s Hotspot Programme. Under this program, MRC Penang Chapter’s ambulances are on call 24/7 and responding to dispatches by the 999-emergency call centre,” Chow said in his speech.
He added that upon request, the ambulances also take patients to hospitals for treatment or transfer the patients home from the hospitals.
“Such patient transfer service helps the family members ensure that their kin folks are well taken care of from home to hospital and vice-versa.
“The ComBase project is professionally run and is staffed by well-trained paramedics. These paramedics undergo constant training to upgrade their skills so that they can give their best to serve those who need medical care,” Chow said, thanking MRC Penang Chapter for its dedication and humanitarian work.
Tunku Temenggong Kedah Her Highness Datuk Seri Diraja Tan Sri Tunku Puteri Intan Safinaz was happy to acknowledge that the MRC Penang Chapter was one of its most active chapters.
“This is a good platform for members to develop and enhance their skills. At the same time, the members are also helping those in need,” Tunku Puteri Intan Safinaz said in her speech.
She is also the MRC national chairman.
Tunku Puteri Intan Safinaz also thanked Zhulian Corporation Berhad for donating RM80,000 to the MRC Penang Chapter, and Lions Club of George Town for donating a mechanical CPR automated device worth RM70,000 to the MRC Island branch.
She also thanked Deputy Finance Minister II Steven Sim for donating 10 units of AED trainer sets worth RM20,000 to the MRC Penang Chapter.
Also present were MRC Penang Chapter chairman Datuk Seri Lim Tiong Chin, MRC Penang Chapter deputy chairman Datuk Loh Nam Hooi, MRC secretary-general Hakim Hamzah, and MRC national treasurer James Kon.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Law Suun Ting
Video by Siew Chia En
