HUNDREDS of guests attended a fundraising dinner hosted by the Soroptimist International Club of Penang (SIP) this evening.
SIP is a part of Soroptimist International, a global organisation operating in 124 countries, dedicated to advocating for girls and women facing challenging circumstances.
With 3,000 clubs and 62,000 members worldwide, Soroptimist International is also represented at the United Nations.
SIP president Suraya Ibrahim said the fundraising dinner aimed to generate funds to support the club’s ongoing initiatives in education, environment and community empowerment.
“We are aiming to raise more than RM200,000 through this fundraising dinner for such purposes.
“Our club’s ongoing projects include education fund scholarships, science, technology, English and mathematics awareness programmes as well as initiatives focused on health and hygiene, environment and community empowerment,” Suraya said in her speech before Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow officiated the fundraising dinner at St Giles The Wembley Hotel in George Town this evening.
Suraya also called upon the attendees to contribute generously to these noble causes.
Chow, in his address, emphasised the significance of the event, describing it as more than just a gathering.
“This fundraising project by Soroptimist Penang is crucial in securing funds necessary to support their impactful projects.
“These projects are vital to empowering women and girls in leadership, STEM education, and well-being,” Chow said.
He also highlighted SIP’s latest environmental project, which involves rehabilitating an abandoned shrimp pond for seaweed cultivation.
The project, the first of its kind in the Northern region, aims to enhance food security, contribute to climate mitigation, and create sustainable income opportunities for the local communities.
“These initiatives in education, community empowerment and environment, have a profound impact on the lives of many. With your support, I believe Soroptimist Penang will continue to inspire positive change,” Chow added.
Chow also encouraged more women to get involved in organisations like SIP, contributing to the development of women in various spheres.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi
Video by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat