THREE non-governmental organisations (NGOs) received financial assistance from the state government as a gesture of appreciation for their tireless work in helping to meet the various needs of the community.
They are Agape Counseling Centre Malaysia, D’Home Mental Health Association and Penang Dementia Association.
State executive councillor for non-Islamic Religious Affairs and Social Development Chong Eng said she hoped that the contribution, though small, would ease the financial burden of the organisations as well as enable them to assist more people.
“I hope that it would help alleviate their burden in fundraising and seeking financial support to run their activities and programmes.
“This way, they can focus on their main job of helping the community,” said Chong Eng during the mock cheque presentation at Komtar today.
Chong Eng also said that the state government had partnered with various NGOs to meet the growing needs of the community.
“For instance, we have partnered with NGOs such as Women Centre for Change (WCC) & Pusat Perkhidmatan Wanita (PPW), Pertubuhan Sneham Malaysia, and recently we worked with Buddhist Tzu Chi Charity Foundation to create a conducive and inclusive community centre at the Padang Tembak.
“Previously, the Penang Women’s Development Corporation (PWDC) ran a children’s care centre there.
“Now, the Buddhist Tzu Chi Charity Foundation, which is running the children’s care centre, has upgraded the centre by setting up a digital library and providing space for sports activities.
“This is the collaboration that we are looking forward to so that we can do more for the community,” Chong said while adding that she would like to encourage the industries to partner with NGOs to help the community.
Chong Eng also promoted volunteerism and said that volunteerism does not require one to commit oneself every day to assist the community, but according to the individual’s availability.
Apart from that, Chong Eng said that she would work on initiating an annual fund to support the noble cause of the NGOs.
Both the Agape Counseling Centre Malaysia and D’Home Mental Health Association received RM20,000 respectively while Penang Dementia Association received RM10,000 as grants.
Agape Counseling Centre Malaysia was represented by its chairman Rev Lim Thean Heng, and D’Home Mental Health Association was represented by its president Datuk Seri Leslie Lee. Dr Alan Ch’ng Swee Hock who is the vice-president, represented the Penang Dementia Association.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Alissala Thian