THE state government continues to support the charitable works conducted by the Salvation Army Penang by contributing a total of RM20,000 for its fundraising campaign, ‘You Care, We Care’, this year.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, during a virtual launch of the programme, said the Covid-19 pandemic has impacted many non-governmental organisations (NGOs) such as the Salvation Army Penang and their fundraising events.
“The annual Open Day event by the Salvation Army Penang which used to attract large crowds of patrons cannot be held now due to the current situation.
“Thus, in view of this, we want to double up our annual contribution to the organisation from RM10,000 to RM20,000 to help ease the burden caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“I am glad that the Salvation Army has launched the ‘You Care, We Care’ campaign as an alternative to raise funds for its operations,’’ Chow said.
Chow commended the good work of the organisation, especially in caring for boys at the Salvation Army Penang Children’s Home.
He said the home, which is located at Jalan Logan, has helped to make a difference in the lives of the disadvantaged boys.
“The Salvation Army is specialised in providing opportunities for the disadvantaged boys to receive a proper education, care and protection.
“Since 1938, this organisation has provided a ‘caring home’ that many boys grew up in while not having families of their own.
“It has helped raise boys who have gone on to be successful in life with a bright future,’’ he added.
During the virtual launch, one of the former residents of the Salvation Army Penang Children’s Home, Johnson Raj, shared his testimony of being raised at the home.
“I grew up at the Salvation Army Penang Children’s Home since the age of three together with my brother after we were abandoned by our parents.
“We felt very awkward at the beginning, but later we began to have a sense of belonging while growing up here. The love and care shown by the caretakers at the home made us feel at home.
“With the help of Salvation Army Penang Children’s Home, I pursued my Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering.
“I have now secured a job at a company in Butterworth. I would like to extend my gratitude to the Salvation Army Penang.
“I do help out the home whenever I am free as well as encourage the boys here to pay attention to their studies,’’ Raj said.
The virtual launch was also attended by the Salvation Army Regional Headquarters (Malaysia) officer Major Francis Ng and Penang team leaders Major Spener Tetenaung (Penang Team Leader) and Major Rai Tetenaung.
For those who would like to know more about the fundraising event, please follow the Salvation Army Penang Children’s Home facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/tsapenangchildrenshome
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi
Video by Alissala Thian