SOME 1,000 people participated in the ‘Charity Family Fun Ride & Walk 2019’ at Pantai Hospital Penang in Bayan Lepas yesterday in an effort to help the underprivileged community.
Pantai Hospital Penang chief executive officer Pan Wen Lek said the fundraising event was a collaboration between Pantai Hospital Penang and the Lions Club of George Town Mutiara (Lions GTM) for the second consecutive year.
“The fund will be used to help the underprivileged in various free treatments and surgeries, ranging from eye cataract, heart diseases, total knee replacement to hip replacement and other general procedures.
“All registration fees collected from the day’s event will be channelled to the Lions GTM-Pantai Penang Medical Fund.
“At the same time, a total of RM2,500 from sales of roses in conjunction with Pink October event was also channelled to the Lions Club of George Town Mutiara (Lions GTM),” he said in his speech before presented a mock cheque for RM105,000 to the Lions GTM-Pantai Penang Medical Fund during the opening ceremony.
Lions Club of George Town Mutiara (Lions GTM) president Sam Miew Heng said the programme at the same time has provided an opportunity for the community to participate in a good cause while keeping fit.
“We hope to see more Penangites and communities from surrounding states stepping forward to participate in our future fundraising events such as this, in aid of underprivileged communities,” she added.
Apart from that, Pan also announced the ‘Healthy Neighbourhood Initiative’ and the new updates for the hospital’s mobile application, known as PantaiPGApp.
“The Pantai Hospital Penang ‘Healthy Neighbourhood Initiative’ is a community-based programme that aims to address the needs of the surrounding residents who stay within 10km radius from Pantai Hospital Penang.
“Through this initiative, residents who use the ‘Healthy Neighbourhood Card’ at the hospital will receive free annual health screening, free ambulance service within 10km radius and free transportation to and from Pantai Hospital Penang within 10km radius. In addition, residents will also receive a 50% discount on bed charges and claim up to RM100 rebate on admission bill.
“To enjoy the benefits of the initiative, residents need to register as a member of Pantai Hospital Penang Family Rewards Club at www.pantaipenang.com or through the PantaiPg Mobile App,” Pan added.
The Charity Family Fun Ride & Walk 2019 event was divided into two categories – ride and walk. The ride category involved a total of 38km ride on bicycle and the walk category covered a 5km distance. Participants for both categories were flagged off at Pantai Hospital Penang.
Apart from the event, many of the participants visited exhibition booths, received free health checks and some won lucky draws.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix courtesy of Parkway Pantai Public Relation Office