THE Charity Heart 2 Heart programme, organised by Penang Adventist Hospital (PAH), has proven to be a resounding success, raising RM116,858 in aid of heart patients requiring financial assistance.
The event, held recently at Sunshine Central in Air Itam, was graced by Penang Social Development, Welfare and Non-Islamic Religious Affairs Committee chairman Lim Siew Khim and Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng Soon Siang.
The highlight of the day was a giant display made from thousands of cinnamon rolls, lovingly prepared by the Adventist Bakery.
This unique centrepiece symbolised PAH’s commitment to promoting heart health and fostering community unity.
Following the showcase, the cinnamon rolls were distributed to mall-goers, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) homes, B40 households, as well as through state representatives and corporate donors, spreading both joy and awareness beyond the venue.
PAH representative Dr Raymond Tah emphasised that the event was not merely a celebration but also an opportunity to encourage healthier living and collective responsibility.
“With the creative blend of fun activities, community engagement, and health advocacy, Charity Heart 2 Heart carries a simple yet powerful message that caring for our hearts goes hand in hand with caring for one another,” he said in his speech.
He added that in the past two years, over RM368,000 had been channelled through the PAH fund to help 13 patients, offering not only treatment but renewed hope.
“These numbers represent more than funds. They represent families kept together, parents restored to their children, and lives given hope,” he noted.
In her speech, Lim Siew Khim commended PAH for its long-standing dedication to community service.
“Your efforts go beyond medical treatment. They touch lives, restore dignity, and bring hope to families who need it most,” she said.
Acknowledging that heart disease remains one of Malaysia’s leading causes of death, Lim stressed the importance of initiatives that combine awareness with action.
She highlighted the value of activities such as the fitness challenge, the automated external defibrillator (AED) and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) demonstrations, free health screenings, and heart health education sessions, as well as the introduction of pickleball, a fast-growing sport that encourages active lifestyles.
“These activities show that staying well can be accessible, engaging, and inclusive,” Lim said.
She further reflected on the essence of the programme.
“Charity Heart 2 Heart is more than a name, it is a promise. It is about one heart reaching out to another, one community lifting up another.
“Together, let us continue to keep this heartbeat strong, raising not only funds, but also awareness and hope,” she concluded.
Also present at the event was PAH operations director Jenny Ooi.
Pix courtesy of Penang Adventist Hospital