BIRTHED during the challenging times of the Covid-19 pandemic, Persatuan Amal Layar Cahaya Pulau Pinang (PALCPP), also known as SAIL IN The LIGHTS Care Society, has emerged with unwavering enthusiasm and optimism over the past few years.
According to PALCPP chairperson Wong Ming Lee, the organisation’s core projects focus on providing breakfast to needy students, as well as food and household essentials to B40 families, individuals, the homeless, elderly, sick, and destitute, alongside charity homes and three Orang Asli villages in Perak.
The organisation has also sponsored 30 Chromebooks for St Xavier’s Branch School.
Wong, a retired schoolteacher, shared that PALCPP was officially registered as a non-governmental organisation under the Registrar of Societies in December 2021.
“Our journey began in December 2019 when a group of ex-Xaverians formed a chat group called ‘Saint.L.I.G.H.T.S.’ to assist the less fortunate,” Wong told Buletin Mutiara in an interview. She was accompanied by PALCPP secretary Lim Guat Poh.
“I call them the ‘Merdeka Boys’ because they were born in 1957. I was their teacher. The chief organiser, Hoe Jong Beng, is very active in this group, which now has 49 members.”
Wong added that charitable efforts were deeply rooted in St Xavier’s Institution. “At St Xavier’s, it’s a tradition to initiate a charity fundraising project each year. This act of giving is ingrained in the minds of young Xaverians.”
Beyond its school-based initiatives, PALCPP has helped families and individuals living in low-cost flats, trishaw riders, beggars, and single mothers, distributing Chinese New Year ang pows and food.
For the Orang Asli community, Wong said PALCPP provided second-hand clothes, stationery, and other essentials.
Currently, PALCPP serves hot meals to students from seven schools in Penang, with plans to extend this initiative to another school in Kuala Lumpur next month. The schools involved are: St Xaviers Institution (50 students), St Xaviers Branch School (40), SMK Jelutong (30), SJKC Heng Ee (30), SJKC Convent Datuk Keramat (30), SJKC Kong Min Cawangan Satu (20) and SRJK Perempuan Methodist (20).
“Our estimated budget for school meals this year is RM44,800. The schools ensure that proper food is provided once a week at the canteen. We allocate RM5 for each secondary student and RM4 for each primary pupil,” Wong explained.
Reflecting on an unforgettable incident, Wong shared: “On the first day we partnered with a school, we saw a girl holding her food packet with tears in her eyes. It was the first time in two years she had gone to the canteen, as she couldn’t afford lunch. That moment deeply moved us.”
To sustain its efforts, PALCPP held a fundraising dinner earlier this month, raising RM29,896.80 according to Lim.
She highlighted that more than 200 projects have been rolled out since the Covid-19 and MCO periods.
While contributions mainly come from members, Wong and Lim welcomed public support in cash or kind, as PALCPP aims to expand its reach to more destitute individuals.
For more details, those interested in helping can contact Ms Wong Ming Lee at +6012-4939098 or Ms Lim Guat Poh at +6012-4551968, or donate to CIMB Bank Berhad, Persatuan Amal Layar Cahaya, Pulau Pinang, Account Number: 8010887626.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Alissala Thian and courtesy of PALCPP