ONE Hope Charity and Welfare (One Hope Charity) marked its 22nd anniversary with the ‘Program Tautan Kasih One Hope Charity & Welfare 2024’ over the weekend, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds to honour the organisation’s impactful contributions to society.
The event saw 8,000 households, including single mothers, the elderly, and large families across the state, receiving essential goods worth RM100 and cash assistance of RM200.
One Hope Charity founder and chairman Datuk Chua Sui Hau said that the initiative, costing over RM2.6 million, reflects the organisation’s unwavering commitment to easing the burdens faced by vulnerable communities.
“Every family’s needs are unique, and this additional cash assistance can help alleviate their financial challenges,” he said.
Chua highlighted that One Hope Charity’s anniversary is celebrated not with lavish banquets but by extending aid to the underprivileged, regardless of race or religion.
“Each year, we mark our anniversary by giving back to those in need, demonstrating our mission of inclusivity and compassion.”
He added that the event would also see the presentation of medical equipment worth RM337,000 to two government medical institutions. It presented medical equipment to the Ministry of Health in Penang and Hospital Kulim in Kedah.
“With this contribution, we hope to enhance the quality of medical care available to more people in need,” Chua noted.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who was present, lauded the organisation for its extensive efforts in easing the burdens of the underprivileged and supporting government initiatives.
“Today, we gather to honour an organisation that has worked tirelessly to support the government and ease the burdens of our people.
“The presence of attendees from various ethnicities and religions is a testament to the continued support for One Hope Charity’s noble mission,” he said.
Chow highlighted One Hope Charity’s annual efforts to assist marginalised groups, expressing his gratitude for their meaningful contribution.
He also commended state assembly members and committee members for arranging transportation to ensure many recipients from distant and underserved areas could attend.
Chow emphasised that such partnerships are vital for easing the government’s burden and fostering a compassionate and responsible society.
“This collaboration benefits not only the people but also nurtures a sense of civic duty and empathy within our community,” he noted.
Reflecting on One Hope Charity’s 22 years of service, Chow praised their adaptive and systematic approach to aid distribution, recognising them as a progressive NGO attuned to modern needs.
“The Penang government takes immense pride in the accomplishments of One Hope Charity.
“May their journey continue to be blessed, standing strong alongside our administration to support those in need, embodying the spirit of a united Malaysia,” he concluded.
Human Resources Minister and Bukit Mertajam MP Steven Sim Chee Keong commended One Hope Charity for its ongoing dedication to supporting vulnerable communities.
Recalling a particularly poignant campaign in 2022, Sim highlighted the organisation’s efforts to raise funds for then-17-month-old Reese Tan Rui Xin, who was battling spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and urgently needed a life-saving treatment.
“Reese’s parents sought One Hope Charity’s assistance on Dec 13, 2022, to raise RM9 million for the Zolgensma vaccination, a treatment recommended by their child’s doctor to cure the severe and rare disease. This campaign touched many hearts,” Sim shared.
Sim recounted how Datuk Chua reached out to him to assist in saving Reese.
“The fundraising campaign for baby Reese reached its goal within a week,” he said.
At the time, Sim served as the Deputy Finance Minister and contributed RM50,000 to the cause.
Bagan MP and former Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng congratulated One Hope Charity for its unwavering commitment to bringing hope and tangible relief to those in need, stressing that ‘action is better than just words’.
“True to its name, One Hope consistently brings hope to its beneficiaries,” Guan Eng remarked, adding that few organisations can match One Hope Charity’s dedication and impact.
He highlighted that the organisation provides approximately RM20 million in aid each year.
“This means that, since its establishment in 2002, One Hope Charity has distributed over RM100 million in assistance,” Guan Eng noted.
Also present were Penang Social Development, Welfare and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim, state Local Government, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jason H’ng Mooi Lye, and Penang Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen.
Others include Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng, Bukit Tengah assemblyman Gooi Hsiao-Leung, Bagan Jermal assemblyman Chee Yeeh Keen, Bagan Dalam assemblyman Kumaran Krishnan, and Sungai Puyu assemblyman Phee Syn Tze.
Joining them were Senator Dr R.A. Lingeshwaran, One Hope Charity adviser Datuk Seri R. Arunasalam, and Penang Malay Association (Pemenang) president Tan Sri Yusoff Latiff.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad
Video by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis