THE Pertubuhan Kebajikan Ihsan held a very special ‘iftar’ gathering which was attended by some 40 children diagnosed with cancer at a hall above the Batu Lanchang wet market today.
Organisation president Mohd Arshad Abdul Rahman said he hoped that this gathering would help lift the spirits of these children who are nothing short of true warriors fighting against the deadly disease.
“As the president, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the children and their parents for attending this ceremony today.
“This is a very meaningful event for us, especially during this holy month of Ramadan, to give back to the society in a small yet special way,” Mohd Arshad said in his speech.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who was present during the ceremony, thanked the organisation for holding such a heartwarming occasion to put smiles on the faces of these innocent children.
“Let us pray that these kids just like any other survivors out there, will overcome this challenging phase in their lives, recover fast and come back stronger.
“I also understand that this is only the second time ever the organisation is holding this ‘iftar’ ceremony, and moving forward, I wish them greater success and hopefully they will continue with this good cause of giving back to the community,” Chow said in his speech.
The evening was made even more joyful after each child was given a goodie bag and a Hari Raya packet in view of the Hari Raya celebration which is around the corner.
Among those present during the gathering were Jelutong MP RSN Rayer, Sungai Pinang assemblyman Lim Siew Khim and Penang Island City Council (MBPP) secretary A. Rajendran.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar
Video by Alissala Thian