A VIBRANT crowd turned out for the ‘21st Harmony Charity Food Fair’ today, organised by the Che Hoon Khor Moral Uplifting Society, showcasing strong community spirit and a long-standing culture of caring for the vulnerable.
Over 100 charity booths were set up to raise funds for 14 welfare organisations in Penang, benefiting groups such as homes for the elderly, centres for the disabled, mental health support groups, dialysis service providers, children’s protection organisations, and hospice care providers.
The event was graced by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who lauded the organisers, volunteers, and Penangites for their dedication to fostering community well-being.
Chow noted that while Penang is a small state, it is celebrated for having a big heart.
“We may not be the richest, but we are rich in something far more important, our sense of care and community.
“Che Hoon Khor has been doing meaningful work in Penang for decades.
“This food fair is one of your signature events, channelling support each year to welfare organisations that make a tangible difference in the community,” Chow said during his opening remarks at the event.
He also acknowledged visitors who brought reusable containers and bags, commending their thoughtfulness and sense of responsibility, which reflects the community’s growing environmental awareness.
Apart from that, Chow also cited a recent viral video showing a homeless man being mistreated outside a bank, an incident that sparked widespread public outrage.
He stressed that homeless individuals are also human beings, and that they deserve kindness, not humiliation.
“As a community, we must always uphold compassion and dignity,” Chow said, noting that the incident highlighted the importance of continued welfare initiatives.
Chow wrapped up his speech by commending the community, saying that Penang continues to be caring and resilient because of people like them.
The Harmony Charity Food Fair, which is currently taking place, targets to raise RM200,000, with all proceeds channelled directly to the beneficiary organisations.
Meanwhile, Che Hoon Khor Moral Uplifting Society’s secretary Datuk Choon Yit Chuan, announced that the organisation’s first major programme in 2026 will be the ‘New Year Red Packet Give Away’ for the elderly, scheduled for Jan 25 at 9 am at its premises.
List of the beneficiary organisations:-
1) Pertubuhan Pemulihan Orang Kurang Upaya Negeri Pulau Pinang
2) Persatuan Kesihatan Jiwa Pulau Pinang
3)Persatuan Pemulihan Penyayang Orang Kurang Upaya Pulau Pinang
4)Persatuan Rawatan Buah Pinggang Malaysia
5)Pertubuhan Penyayang Hospis Pure Lotus Pulau Pinang
6)Penang Caring Dialysis Society
7)Pertubuhan Kebajikan Komuniti Cakna Pulau Pinang
8)Asia Community Service
9)Eden Handicap Service Centre Bhd
10)Pertubuhan Rumah Kebajikan Seri Cahaya Pulau Pinang
11)Persatuan Kebajikan Warga Emas Harmoni Pulau Pinang
12)Penang Cheshire Home
13)Persatuan Pengajian Sadhu Vaswani, Negeri Pulau Pinang
14)Children’s Protection Society Malaysia
Pictures taken at the food fair :-
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Alissala Thian
Video by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat