THE Penang Hindu Association (PHA), in collaboration with Klinik Derma Sivasanta, the welfare arm of the Temple of Fine Arts, organised its annual Deepavali Charity Event at Caring Society Complex in George Town recently.
According to a statement by PHA president Datuk P. Murugiah, a total of 150 hardcore poor families from Penang Island, the mainland, and Kulim, Kedah, attended the event and received Deepavali charity aid on Oct 5. Each family was presented with an aid package containing 35 grocery items worth RM180.
In addition, each family received a goody bag filled with Deepavali snacks and sweets, along with a token cash contribution of RM50 to purchase festive essentials. Children attending the event were each given RM5.
The programme, officiated by Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo, marked the 26th year that PHA has organised this charitable initiative.
The Penang Hindu Association and Klinik Derma Sivasanta expressed their appreciation to the Penang government, the Penang Island City Council (MBPP), and state assemblymen for their continued support towards charity programmes aimed at helping the underprivileged.
Also present were state executive councillors Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu and Lim Siew Khim, Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh, Penang Island City Council mayor Datuk A. Rajendran, councillors Vickneson Rajendran and Visvenathan Tangavello, PHA adviser Datuk Dr S. Sellapan, Chief Minister’s special officer Amutha Krishnan, Penang MIC chairman Datuk J. Dhinagaran, and Datuk M. Ramachandran.
Pix courtesy of Penang Hindu Association