(From left) Lyan Shih, the organisation’s doctor in charge Dr Loo Chia Ming and charity dinner fundraising president Joyce Teoh looking at an artist’s impression of the new building. — K.T.GOH/The Star
PENANG Pure Lotus Hospice of Compassion, which focuses on providing end-of-life care, is hoping to raise RM10mil to build a new centre.
It cares for end-stage cancer patients who are poor or single with no caregivers or place to stay but the organisation wants to expand access to those facing other terminal conditions.
Its founder Venerable Lyan Shih said the organisation’s existing 21 beds are always full.
“We focus on cancer patients who need palliative care and have to turn away those with other conditions,” she said.
“They are all genuine cases and I feel bad when we have to turn them away because we do not have enough space.
“We have no restrictions except space constraints.
“Now that we have been able to secure another location a door down from our current place, we need to raise funds to build a centre.
“We have drawn up the building plans and hope to begin operations there next year.”
Lyan Shih said the organisation solely depends on public donations as it does not charge its patients.
“The new building, named ‘Pure Lotus Home of Compassion’, will have 27 beds,” she said.
“Usually, the patients stay with us until they pass away. If they do not have family, we conduct their funeral rites as well.
“Priority is given to the underprivileged, homeless and single but we do take in people who have families who may not know how to provide end-of-life care.”
Lyan Shih said that so far, the organisation had raised slightly more than RM1mil including sales from the sold-out charity dinner to be held on Nov 26.
“We held a food fair earlier this year and managed to raise RM400,000.
“From the upcoming dinner, we expect to raise around RM700,000.”
Committee member Gan Soon Huat said there will be an auction of calligraphy pieces during the charity dinner.
“Next year, we will have a charity concert called Siddhartha: The Musical at the Setia Spice Arena,” he said.
“While the concert will be in Mandarin, there will be English subtitles.”
There will be two shows on July 20 and 21, and tickets for the musical will be sold during the charity dinner.
“We are looking for sponsors for the musical. It will be produced by Asia Musical with many local artistes performing,” said Gan.
“We will have to handle the production costs and hope to have donors to help us.”
Formed in 2001, Pure Lotus Hospice is a non-profit organisation which offers round-the clock palliative care by doctors and nurses.
Those who wish to donate towards the new building can contact 04-229 5481/ 011-5509 5481.
Those who wish to donate to Pure Lotus Society Hospice of Compassion can do so via Public Bank (4-4014874-05) or Pure Lotus Cancer Foundation at CIMB bank (86-0095827-0).
