THE Salvation Army Penang Children’s Home has again launched its online fundraising campaign for its social and community services in the state.
Its Malaysia headquarters regional officer Major Francis Ng said due to the Covid-19 uncertainties, the home has decided not to hold its Open Day physical event for the third year.
“Instead, the children’s home is holding the ‘You Care, We Care 2.0’ virtual fundraising campaign from today (Oct 8) to Nov 30.
“We hope to raise RM160,000 from this campaign,” he said in his speech today.
He said the work of The Salvation Army started in Penang in July 1938, when Adjutant Frederick Harvey established the first home for boys in the former YMCA building.
“The home for boys has moved to several places – Coombe Hill in Gelugor, Sungai Pinang in Jelutong, and finally here in Logan Road in 1979.
“Our community service team also conducts community services to the B40 group, providing food and counselling services,” he said.
The Salvation Army Penang Children’s Home team leader and corporation officer Major Lee Kong Yee said the organisation was pleased to be part of the modern history of Penang.
“From educating underserved children on the island during the pre-war era, sheltering civilians to safety during the war, and then providing a sanctuary to children after the war. We have been part of the lives of many Penangites.
“Our work continues, with children still needing a safe place to grow and live as their parents or legal guardians navigate through life’s difficult situations, such as unemployment, imprisonment, poverty, illnesses, and broken marriages,” he said.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said The Salvation Army Penang has a long legacy of helping the underprivileged, especially children.
“For the past 84 years, The Salvation Army has provided a caring home, quality education, and loving guidance to many children who were not able to grow up with their own families due to various reasons.
“Not only are the former children successful in their careers now, but many are also raising their own families and are great, caring parents to their own children.
“Many are also contributing back to their local communities by being good and law-abiding citizens,” he said in his speech.
Chow said when a child faces life’s challenges such as poverty, illness or death in the family, it is extremely important to protect and care for the child while providing hope and love so the child would be able to overcome the adversity.
“When you help a child, you help a community,” he said.
He said that Penang had faced difficult times during the pre-war era, during the war and in the aftermath.
“Today, we have the Covid-19 pandemic and its after-effect to face.
“During the most difficult period when the pandemic was at its peak, the Penang government spent a total of RM174.52 million in different phases to keep our petty traders and business owners afloat.
“I am glad that the darkest period is now behind us. Our focus at this stage must be to rebuild our confidence and work towards our recovery.
“During these uncertain times, The Salvation Army faces increasing challenges to sustain its services to the less fortunate.
“In this situation, The Salvation Army requires financial support to react quickly and provide care and support to avert further pain and suffering.
“What the Penang government can do and has done, to aid The Salvation Army Penang and other charitable organizations, is to come up with policies to help reduce their operating costs such as through the exemption of quit rent and assessment tax.
“This measure has benefitted a total of 866 charitable organisations in Penang.
“Penangites, in partnership with The Salvation Army, can make a difference in improving the lives of those afflicted with adversity.
“I urge the people of Penang to support this fundraising event as it seeks to raise RM160,000 towards the work of The Salvation Army Penang.
“By contributing to this campaign, donors will receive a unique foldable shopping bag as a token of appreciation. This gift is also in-line with Penang’s No Plastic Bag effort, to promote the use of reusable bags and reduce everyone’s reliance on plastic bags,” he said.
Chow presented a mock cheque of RM10,000 to the children’s home at the end of the event.
The invited guests were also treated to a dance performance by the children at the home.
For more details, call the home at 04-227 0159.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar
Video by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis