A GIANT teddy coin mosaic set up at the Festive Square in Gurney Paragon Mall has definitely made heads turn.
Bearing words ‘Penang Adventist Hospital 95th Anniversary Charity Giant Teddy Coin Mosaic’, the 80ft by 40ft art piece was made up of 195,402 pieces of 50 sen coin.
These coins were donated by the public to aid the Penang Adventist Hospital (PAH) cancer fund.
The charity event was in conjunction with the hospital’s 95th anniversary celebration.
PAH had aimed at raising RM200,000 for its cancer fund through the project.
Fundraising roadshows were held at several locations and major shopping malls such as Sunshine Square, Gurney Plaza and Gurney Paragon Mall.
PAH chief executive officer Ronald Koh said the project managed to raise over RM316,000.
“Although the coins are all placed and the mosaic built, the fundraising continues.
“I sincerely urge everyone to continue giving your support towards helping the needy cancer patients.
“Our hospital’s cancer fund has disbursed more than RM260,000 and helped 15 patients last year. Let us not stop here, and continue to make a difference in someone’s life,” he said in his speech during the closing ceremony at Gurney Paragon Mall today.
Penang Health, Agriculture, Agro-Based Industry and Rural Development Committee chairman Dr Afif Bahardin said the project was a unique fundraising project.
“It is an eye-opener for many people; not only for the sheer size of the coin mosaic, but knowing that no matter how small a donation can be, you can offer a glimpse of hope to those who are fighting against cancer.
“According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), cancer is the second leading cause of death globally. It is responsible for an estimated 9.6 million death last year.
“Many types of cancer are highly preventable and curable if they are detected in their early stages. Lifestyle plays an important role to beat cancer,” Dr Afif, who was representing Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, said.
Dr Afif said around one third of deaths from cancer were due to five leading behavioral and dietary risks – high body mass index, low fruit and vegetable intake, lack of physical activity, tobacco use and alcohol use.
He congratulated the hospital for being at the forefront of health education and for continuing its mission to serve the needy in the community.
Also present were Bukit Bendera MP Wong Hon Wai, Pulau Tikus assemblyman Chris Lee, and Hunza Group executive director Khor Tze Ming.
Several donors also presented mock cheques during the closing ceremony.
Ninety-four volunteers took four hours to arrange the 50 sen coins into a giant teddy coin mosaic for the closing ceremony.
Story and pix by Christopher Tan