THE Penang Convention and Exhibition Bureau (PCEB), through close collaboration with the Penang government and Courtyard by Marriott Penang, has distributed food and school supplies to some 13 children at Rumah Charis in Relau today.
State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin said that the initiative would help alleviate the financial burden of the welfare organisation during this trying period. He has vowed to continue assisting more of such non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
“I would like to personally thank PCEB and Courtyard by Marriott for putting smiles on the faces of all the children here today.
“This is the kind of contribution that may seem small, but extremely meaningful for the home and the children here.
“I would like to encourage other organisations to come forward and assist such NGOs. Simple yet meaningful contributions will make their day,” Yeoh told the reporters during a brief press conference at Rumah Charis in Relau.
The food distribution today included packets of fried rice, cakes and mineral water bottles.
During the brief handover ceremony, Courtyard by Marriott general manager Subash Basrur said that it was part of the hotel’s core values through their corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme, to give back to the community.
“This is just a small token from us to all the beautiful children here. While PCEB focuses on preparing food, we want to give things that the children can carry, such as school bags and other relevant supplies.
“It is always a great feeling to be able to serve the vulnerable groups in the community, and we will continue with our efforts,” Subash said.
He also commended Yeoh’s office and the Penang government for always showing much care and compassion for the needy and affected groups in the community.
PCEB chief executive officer Ashwin Gunasekeran applauded his own staff for making this effort a success.
“My people contributed through our own internal fundraising initiatives, and it is right that I thank all of them for delighting the kids today,” he said.
The home, which was set up here in Penang in 1998, was previously used to shelter the aged; all of which have been shifted to a temporary shelter in Pulau Betong, Balik Pulau.
Since last year, Rumah Charis has been providing shelter to kids who are orphans and from troubled families.
Story and pix by Kevin Vimal