VIPs invited on stage at the dinner to hit the gong in celebrating individuals who have helped M&M.
Permanent place needed to take care of 300 dogs and 90 cats
MUTTS and Mittens Animal Rescue (M&M) in Ipoh, Perak, needs a permanent home for its rescued strays.
M&M president Chong Choon Kit said it had relocated five times over eight years and its current home for strays in Menglembu was always flooded during heavy rain.
“We desperately need a new location to set up our halfway home.
“We have identified another plot near our current place and are in discussions with the landowner to move there,” he said.
“We want to thank the kind-hearted landowner for offering us his land at a discounted price.
“If possible, we hope to buy our own piece of land,” he said.
He added that the non-governmental organisation (NGO) had 300 dogs and 90 cats under its care
Chong said M&M’s annual charity dinner recently raised about RM50,000 which would be used to cover operational and medical costs.
Monthly expenses could go up to RM30,000, he said.
“We still hope for more donations to buy a piece of land to build a permanent halfway home,” he said, adding that the cost for a new home would be about RM500,000.
Chong (centre) receiving contributions for M&M at the dinner. With him are (from left) Lye, Koe, Choy and VIP guest Ron Tan.
Chong said that since M&M began in 2016, it had grown from a few independent rescuers to a passionate team of volunteers who work for the betterment of strays.
“We have published Malaysia’s first true story-based picture book, Woof Meow Guardians, to educate the younger generation about animal welfare.
“We are also involved in a large-scale spaying and micro-chipping programme with Ipoh City Council,” he said.
Perak Deputy Speaker Jenny Choy expressed hope that more people would be compassionate and come forward to adopt stray animals.
“I want to commend the selfless contributions of M&M volunteers who have gone above and beyond to help these animals,” added Choy who is also Canning assemblyman.
The charity dinner was attended by about 900 people.
Guests of honour included Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh’s mother Datin Janet Yeoh, city councillor Deric Lee and actress Koe Yeet.
The guests were treated to performances by Kinta Valley Wind Orchestra and a violin performance by Sue Ee.
The ceremony continued with a gong-hitting and lighting ceremony.
Janet also performed the song Shanghai Bund and raised RM5,000 for M&M.
A touching music video titled “Give Them a Home” was played, showcasing the halfway home’s daily life and rescue operations.
Chong also presented appointment certificates to the organisation’s legal advisor Datuk G. Manjit Singh Gill, ambassadors EL Lye and Koe, advisors Eva Yap and Ann Cheong, and advocate Marcus Lee.
