THE Chinese New Year celebration came early for some 100 children and old folk from the children’s homes and Jubilee Home for the Aged respectively.
With about a week before Chinese New Year arrives on Jan 22, the Pertubuhan Wanita Mutiara Pulau Pinang brought cheer to the children and senior citizens by distributing red packets, gifts and contributions to them.
Pertubuhan Wanita Mutiara Pulau Pinang chairman Tan Lean Kee, who is also Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow’s wife, said she was glad that the annual programme could be resumed this year after a three-year hiatus.
“We are delighted the event is back physically since it was last held in 2019. Everyone is looking forward to this Chinese New Year event after the unprecedented lockdowns that took place.
“We have to celebrate it cautiously although everything is back to normal.
“I hope everyone here enjoy today’s special occasion,” she told the media at the sidelines of the event in Flamingo Hotel, Tanjung Bungah.
The children came from five homes, namely Peace Children’s Centre, Children’s Protection Society, The Salvation Army Penang Children’s Home, Persatuan Minda Pulau Pinang and Rumah Charis.
Earlier, in her speech, Tan said it was important for her association to be able to share the joy and togetherness in this celebration.
During the event, Tan handed out contributions to each of the homes.
Also present were Sungai Pinang assemblyman Lim Siew Khim and Pertubuhan Wanita Mutiara Pulau Pinang members.
Story and pix by Edmund Lee