IN the spirit of the upcoming Christmas celebration, 10 welfare homes in Penang each received RM3,000 through a contribution from Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
The recipient organisations were Persatuan Kebajikan Kanak-Kanak Cacat Yee Ran Jing Sheh Bukit Tengah Pulau Pinang, Persatuan Syukur Penyayang Pulau Pinang, Pusat Jagaan Bethel, Persatuan Kebajikan Hope Worldwide Malaysia, Pusat Kanak-Kanak Istimewa Pulau Pinang, Evershine Old Folks Home, House of Hope, The Salvation Army, Crystal Family Home Care Centre Bhd and St Joseph’s Home.
Chow, who is also the Padang Kota assemblyman and Batu Kawan MP, said the contributions were intended to spread festive cheer and offer hope to those in need.
“May this contribution, in one way or another, bring joy and provide a ray of hope to those who require support,” he said in his speech at the Padang Kota and Batu Kawan constituency Christmas Celebration held at Jen Hotel in George Town this morning.
Aligned with the Penang2030 vision, Chow said the state government would continue focusing on efforts to build a greener, more inclusive, liveable, digital and sustainable state.
“In line with this vision, I call upon all parties to continue working hand in hand to strengthen unity, preserve harmony and contribute towards making Penang a smart and prosperous state founded on strong family values, community spirit and national aspirations,” he added.
Reflecting on the annual Christmas celebration, Chow said his state constituency office has been organising the event since he was first elected as Padang Kota assemblyman 15 years ago, with the exception of the Covid-19 pandemic period.
“This celebration began as a grassroots initiative at New World Park, involving residents from the Kedah Road Flats and Taman Manggis People’s Housing Project (PPR). Over the years, it has grown in scale, yet it remains a community-based Christmas celebration,” he said.
Chow also expressed his appreciation to the children from the various welfare homes for joining the celebration and contributing to its festive atmosphere.
He extended his Christmas wishes to all those celebrating.
“May this year’s Christmas bring greater joy, harmony, prosperity and unity to the people of Penang,” said Chow.
Also present were Chow’s wife Tan Lean Kee, Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng, Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng, Penang Island City Council (MBPP) councillors Alan Lim Wei Lun and Benji Ang Ming Quan and Chow’s political secretary Lau Keng Ee.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Muhammad Iqbal Hamdan
Video by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis