WITH the nine-day vegetarian observance for the Nine Emperor Gods Festival beginning tomorrow, why not enjoy healthy food while supporting a good cause?
Pure Lotus Cafeteria, located along Jalan Utama opposite Penang General Hospital, will hold its food fair for the third consecutive year from Oct 10 to 18, with all proceeds going towards the upkeep of the Pure Lotus Hospice and Cancer Foundation.
Pure Lotus Cafeteria volunteers Alice Wong and her sister, Cindy, said the cafeteria aims to raise RM100,000 through the nine-day fair by offering a variety of dishes.
These include local favourites such as char koay teow, tom yam bee hoon, seaweed rice, eight-treasure porridge, herbal soup with rice, Nyonya sets, signature cheesecakes and acar. Western options such as pizza and burgers, as well as Japanese sushi, will also be available.
“We have received an overwhelming response, with food coupons already sold out. However, members of the public are welcome to visit the fair and purchase food with cash to show their support,” Alice said.
Both Wong sisters are full-time volunteers, and they will be joined by about 30 other full-time and part-time volunteers during the fair. The event will make use of the space inside the cafeteria as well as the garden at the back.
“We have chefs at the cafeteria, as well as some aunties who help with food preparation and cooking. We feel blessed to be able to give back to society,” Cindy said, adding that the cafeteria also distributes food to the homeless, orphanages and old folks’ homes.
The cafeteria currently employs six persons with disabilities.
The sisters spoke highly of Venerable Lyan Shih, a former nurse and founder of the Pure Lotus Hospice and Cancer Foundation, and her compassion for terminally ill cancer patients. Despite being 86, Ven Lyan Shih, affectionately known as ‘Sifu’, continues to oversee the foundation’s operations.
“Sifu’s mission is to help the sick, especially the poor, and provide end-of-life care that upholds their dignity and offers emotional support, regardless of their backgrounds or beliefs,” they said.
Ven Lyan Shih expressed her gratitude to the many well-wishers, donors and volunteers, as well as the state government, for their continued support.
“I thank the government and public for their love and kind support,” she said.
The Pure Lotus Hospice and Cancer Foundation currently has 21 beds and provides palliative care exclusively for terminally ill cancer patients. Visitors will be struck by the cleanliness of the premises and the compassionate care provided by its staff.
To extend its services to terminally ill patients suffering from other illnesses, including stroke, leukaemia and other serious conditions, the foundation began constructing a new three-storey building nearby last year. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow officiated at its groundbreaking ceremony.
Known as the Pure Lotus Hospice of Compassion, the new facility has 26 beds and is awaiting its certificate of completion and compliance (CCC) before it can admit patients. Once operational, it will provide care for terminally ill patients with conditions other than cancer.
Taking part in the food fair is one way the public can support the foundation, which faces substantial monthly operating expenses while providing free care for those in need.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Alissala Thian and courtesy of Pure Lotus Cafeteria
