THE Penang Community Harmony Care Association (CHC), in collaboration with Penang Cheshire Home, successfully organised the “OKU Fun & Inclusive Morning Programme” at the Penang Water Sports Centre, the venue sponsor.
The event, held on July 5 (Sunday), brought together 47 persons with disabilities (PWDs) from several welfare organisations across Penang, accompanied by their family members, caregivers and volunteers, for a morning filled with fun, learning and meaningful interaction.
Supported by generous contributions from local and international donors as well as corporate sponsors, the programme featured a variety of engaging activities, including dragon boat rides, canoeing, water-based recreational activities, creative workshops, sensory games and a community carnival with refreshments. The activities provided participants with an enjoyable outdoor experience while encouraging interaction, confidence-building and greater community inclusion.
Penang Island City Council (MBPP) councillor Koay Gaik Kee, who represented Pulau Tikus assemblyman Joshua Woo, officiated the opening ceremony. She announced a RM2,000 contribution from Woo to support the programme and expressed hope that more community-based activities for persons with disabilities would be organised in the future. She also encouraged greater public participation in community service to help build a more inclusive and caring society.
Sharing her experience, Koay said that during her tenure as Special Officer to former Penang State EXCO Dato’ Seri Phee Boon Poh, she had worked closely with many welfare organisations and community groups. This allowed her to appreciate the dedication and sacrifices of volunteers, caregivers and welfare workers behind every successful community initiative.
“It is the selfless dedication and perseverance of these individuals that continue to inspire us and enable more people in need to receive the care and support they deserve,” she said.
CHC president Dr Lee Eng Wah said the association has always embraced the values of “Inclusion, Care and Togetherness” to create more opportunities for persons with disabilities to actively participate in society.
He emphasised that a truly inclusive society is not merely about assisting, but about ensuring that everyone is respected, empowered and given equal opportunities to participate, contribute and realise their full potential.
“When we create more opportunities for persons with disabilities, we are not only improving their quality of life, but also building a society that is more compassionate, inclusive and understanding,” he said.
Penang Cheshire Home chairman Andrew Koay Say Loke expressed his sincere appreciation to all collaborating organisations, sponsors, volunteers and supporters for making the programme a success.
He noted that participants came from various organisations, including Penang Cheshire Home, the Cerebral Palsy Association of Penang, School of Neurodiverse Children and the Caring Rehabilitation Society of PWD Penang, demonstrating the importance of collaboration and resource sharing in promoting community inclusion.
Meanwhile, Veronica Pau Mei Ling, chairperson of the Organising Committee and a member of the Penang Cheshire Home Scout Troop Committee, said this was the Scout Troop’s fourth major community service project this year, reflecting the Scout movement’s core values of service, friendship, teamwork, respect and community engagement.
She expressed hope that more programmes of this nature would be organised to create a society where every person with disabilities feels welcomed, respected and included. She also called upon more corporations, organisations and members of the public to join hands in building a more caring, inclusive and accessible community for all.
Pix courtesy of Penang Community Harmony Care Association
