THE Penang government has pledged to donate RM20,000 to the Salvation Army Penang Children’s Home.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow made this announcement when he attended the Salvation Army Open Day in Logan Road today.
He also took the opportunity to highlight the state government’s annual allocation of RM2 million in the Penang Unity Government manifesto in support of non-government organisations in need of financial assistance. He welcomed such organisations to submit their applications for this aid.
The food fundraising event, which returned after a three-year hiatus due to the Covid pandemic, aimed to raise RM160,000.
Chow pointed out that the Salvation Army Penang Children’s Home incurs a monthly expenditure of approximately RM30,000, covering essentials such as food, medical care, school supplies, transportation, water and electricity bills, and maintenance of facilities to ensure that the children have a safe home. residence.
There are currently 19 boys, aged from three years to 18, staying in the home.
Chow said the Salvation Army Penang has a long history of helping the underprivileged, especially children, in its home at Logan Road.
“Since 1938, The Salvation Army has provided a caring home and guidance to many boys who have grown up in the Salvation Army Home.
“Many are now contributing back to our local communities by being good and law-abiding citizens with families of their own too. This is the success story of an NGO like The Salvation Army which has successfully transformed many lives that seemed destined to be bleak or destitute,” Chow said in his speech.
He said the Penang government is always more than willing to partner with or collaborate with the NGOS towards a common aim.
Moreover, he said the state government has not forgotten the support the NGOs provided during the Covid-19 pandemic, and acknowledged the reciprocity from the state government in pooling resources together with them to address socio-economic and healthcare challenges.
The fundraising event featured 70 stalls offering a variety of foods, such as char koay teow, ice kacang, curry mee and satay.
Organising chairman Major Lee Kong Yee said they have visitors from Singapore, Melaka, Kuala Lumpur and Ipoh.
“Most of the stalls have been sponsored by friends and donors and to them we say thank you.
“We also thank our sponsors and donors, volunteers and staff members for making the event a success,” Major Lee said.
After watching a dance presentation by the boys of the home, Chow visited the stalls and presented certificates of participation to each stall owner while engaging in cordial conversations.
Also present were Lau Keng Ee, the political secretary to the chief minister; Major David Erickson, the secretary for Business Administration; Susie Erickson, the secretary for the programme; Captain Andrew Lo, the regional officer; and Major Irene Chang, the Corps & Community Services officer.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud
Video by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi