ST Nicholas’ Home Penang aims to raise RM150,000 through its upcoming charity food carnival on Aug 23 to help sustain operations in the second half of the year. The target is part of its broader RM3 million annual budget for education and vocational training for the visually impaired.
General manager Carmen Chew said the event, to be held at the home’s premises from 9am to 2pm, will feature 64 food stalls offering halal and non-halal cuisines, including satay, laksa, nasi lemak, curry mee, char koay teow, Penang street delights, and food from outlets such as Sushi King.
She said visitors can also enjoy family-friendly games, stage performances, and a 15-minute foot reflexology sessions by the home’s blind masseurs for RM20.
“Coupons for the carnival are priced at RM50, with all proceeds going directly to fundraising efforts. Printing costs are covered by sponsors to ensure every coupon sold channels maximum funds to the cause.
“We are still far from reaching our fundraising goal. Every coupon purchased is more than just a ticket to our food carnival; it is an act of kindness that helps us change lives. We cannot do this without the support of our community,” she said during a press conference today.
She revealed that the home’s monthly operating expenses are about RM250,000, with the focus this year on education and vocational training for the visually impaired.
“During the year-end and New Year festive season, donations from individuals, groups and businesses are usually large enough to sustain operations in the first half of the year.
“However, to maintain operations in the second half of the year, we need to rely on fundraising activities such as carnivals,” she added.
So far, RM40,000 has been raised, with proceeds going towards the home’s development.
Chew added that in June this year, the home sent its blind masseurs to China to learn tuina massage, a traditional therapeutic technique.
“We hope they can promote tuina massage to customers in the future. Skills training like this is important to uplift our masseurs’ capabilities,” she said.
Corporate partner Flex contributed a RM300,000 grant to St Nicholas’ Home in September 2023 and RM15,000 to support the carnival’s operational costs.
Flex Regional Communications senior director Ho Chu Hor said the company has upgraded the home’s Information Technology (IT) lab, enabling the trainees to learn web design. Several graduates have since secured employment at the Uplands International School.
“We want to help and give back to the community. Blind people have great potential to progress, and we want to create an inclusive society,” he said, noting that the company employs 280 persons with disabilities across its Penang and Johor facilities.
Pulau Tikus assemblyman Joshua Woo said that with Malaysia chairing ASEAN this year, the carnival carries added meaning.
“It’s not just about sustaining St Nicholas, but it’s about giving people with disabilities hope, dignity, and the chance to be better,” he said, expressing hope for a strong turnout at the event.
Also present was Kamarulsham Abdullah, representing Bukit Bendera MP Syerleena Abd Rashid.
Founded in 1926, St Nicholas’ Home currently employs 48 staff, including 32 instructors, and runs multiple programmes such as an Early Intervention Centre, Deaf-Blind and Multi-Handicapped Programme, Skill Development Centre, Massage Training Centre, IT Training Centre, Pastry Training Centre, Work Programme/On-Job Training, and Low Vision Centre.
The home serves blind and visually impaired individuals, regardless of race, religion, or background. Plans are also underway to establish a college for the blind as it marks its 100th anniversary next year.
For coupons or more information, contact Ms Cherish Goh at 018-988 5911 or visit St Nicholas’ Home, 4 Jalan Bagan Jermal, Pulau Tikus.
Story by Edmund Lee