THE DahDerma online fundraising platform, which is an initiative by Digital Penang Sdn Bhd under the Penang government, will operate soon once approval is granted.
State Environment and Welfare Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh said the online fundraising platform would kick-start once the greenlight is obtained in the state executive councillors meeting.
“An announcement will be made when it is given nod.
“This online fundraising platform will ensure that every single donation that is channelled in by donors is made transparent, secure and convenient.
“We want to make sure that the donations from the community are fully utilised to support the meaningful humanitarian causes.
“Once the donation has reached a targeted amount for certain humanitarian causes, then it will be stopped.
“It is important to note that there are many unscrupulous individuals or organisations who are taking advantage to seek public funding.
“We hope that this platform will be fully utilised and beneficial to everyone once it begins,” he told reporters after witnessing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony between Penang Care Society (PgCare Society) and Pure Lotus Hospice of Compassion in Jalan Utama today.
PgCare Society pro tem committee chairman Dr Ngoo Seong Boon said Digital Penang Sdn Bhd was tasked to manage the fundraising platform while his side would utilise it.
“We welcome such initiative as this will provide transparency of fundraising.
“We want to create a better society and hope the fundraising for each cause will be done properly,” he said.
At the MoU signing, Phee lauded the collaboration between both the PgCare Society and Pure Lotus Hospice of Compassion.
“It is another accolade for PgCare Society to reach out to more needy people in the state,” he said.
Dr Ngoo also welcomed the partnership with Pure Lotus Hospice of Compassion as the latter was now their 29 alliance partners.
“It is a remarkable achievement as we will be liaising with Pure Lotus Hospice of Compassion if there are any needy cancer patients in need of treatment.
“We will collaborate with other alliance partners as well if other needs arise,” he added.
Pure Lotus Hospice of Compassion founder Ven Lyan Shih was delighted to be one of the PgCare Society alliance partners.
“Our hospice provides a place for the end-stage cancer patients to stay in and they are cared for round the clock.
“We provide free service to patients who are from needy families and we operate completely on public donations.
“Our place can accommodate up to 21 cancer patients and there are still several patients on the waiting list,” she said.
Story and pix by Edmund Lee