AS part of its 20th anniversary celebrations, One Hope Charity & Welfare (One Hope Charity) today gave out 5,000 sets of essential needs and red packets to needy families in Penang.
The annual celebration was held grandly to bring warmth to the underprivileged after a two-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who was among the dignitaries present at the event, praised One Hope Charity for its commitment to assisting the B40 families in the state.
“One Hope Charity has always committed itself to help the needy ever since its establishment as a non-governmental organisation (NGO) 20 years ago.
“They have been doing a marvellous job by reducing the burden on needy families through their generosity.
“A total of 5,000 families comprising single mothers, senior citizens, and those with many dependents have been selected to receive the essential needs worth RM150 and RM200 cash.
“I have been informed that One Hope Charity has spent RM2 million to realise this programme,” he said in his speech during the event at Auto City in Bukit Mertajam today.
Chow thanked those grassroots from various state constituencies who have taken up the initiatives to provide bus services to the recipients.
He also said the state was honoured to have the chance to collaborate with an NGO to bring betterment to the public.
“One Hope Charity’s task of delegating assistance has been carried out systematically.
“We are proud of One Hope Charity’s milestone, and we hope they can continue their level best to help out more needy families in the future,” Chow said.
One Hope Charity’s chairman Datuk Chua Sui Hau said he appreciated the state’s effort for supporting them.
“Since our inception, our principle remains the same which is to render our help to everyone regardless of race and religion.
“A lot of charitable programmes have been held all this while for our society, and a special thanks to our sponsors for realising our programme today,” he said.
One Hope Charity has also made contributions to some of the establishments worth RM200,600 in total.
They are Province Wellesley Renal Medifund (PWRM) Dialysis Centre, Leisure Health Care Centre, Pertubuhan Kebajikan Insan Penyayang Pulau Pinang, Sai Dwakamai Laxmi Home Care, Community AIDS Service Penang (CASP), Jit Sin School Union Bukit Mertajam Digital Library, Education Department in central Seberang Perai district, SMK Jalan Damai, and SMK Berapit.
Among those present during the event were state Deputy Speaker Datuk Dr Amar Pritpal Abdullah, state Environment and Welfare Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh, state Social Development and non-Religious Affairs Committee chairman Chong Eng, state assemblymen, and One Hope Charity adviser Datuk Seri R. Arunasalam.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Siew Chia En
Video by Law Suun Ting