Christmas cheer for 160 less fortunate children

December 18, 2011

IN THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS: Abdul Karim and Liew with all seven representatives from the societies and associations at the eighth Annual Christmas Party 2011 at the Hills Shopping mall.

KUCHING: Bringing Christmas joy to more than 160 less fortunate children was the least Insurance Society of Sarawak (PIS) could do – they were treated to a Christmas party at the Hills Shopping Mall yesterday.

The children were from Sarawak Cheshire Home, Sarawak Association for the Welfare of Intellectually Disabled Children (Perkata), Salvation Army Children’s Home, Salvation Army Boy’s Home, Kuching Autistic Association, Sarawak Children Cancer Society and Sarawak Thalassemia Society.

They were accompanied to the party by their guardians.

“This is a very meaningful event which is greatly appreciated by the state government,” said Assistant Minister of Social Development Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah who officiated at the event. He said a part of our society had the misfortune to go through lives without parents or the use of limbs.

“Every child is an asset to the state and should be treated equally,” said Abd Karim while urging more individuals to help those who are less fortunate.

Abd Karim, who is also the Assistant Minister of Housing, stressed that these less fortunate children should be properly guided to become part of society and grow up to be useful citizens.

Meanwhile, PIS president Dato Patrick Liew said: “A little giving goes a long way in making a difference especially when it can light up a smile in the children’s faces.”

He also said this was the association’s eighth year of organising such an event as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme.

The event was organised in collaboration with Hills Shopping Mall and Lee Clan Association Youth Section.

A blood donation campaign, free blood pressure screening and free eye checks were also held at the Christmas party.