A MINI market chain handed over RM26,000 to Spastic Children’s Association of Selangor and Federal Territory (SCAS&FT), thanks to donations from customers.
The funds were collected by Jom Ke 3M Mini Market Meraya through donation boxes placed at its 30 stores in the Klang Valley.
Chan (third from right) handing the donations to Hong. With them are representatives from Spastic Children’s Association of Selangor and Federal Territory and Rotary Club of Kuala Lumpur DiRaja. — CHAN TAK KONG/The Star
They were placed on cashier counters so that customers could easily deposit their contributions or small change.
The campaign, which was launched in May 2022, was also supported by Rotary Club of Kuala Lumpur DiRaja (RCKLD).
“We would usually be able to collect about RM400 per donation box.
“We estimate that RM26,000 was collected from this campaign,” said Jom Ke 3M Mini Market Meraya director Chan Yin Kitt.
“Should there be any shortfall, our company will top up the remainder to show our support for the services provided by the association,” he said.
Chan said the mini market chain had been running similar donation campaigns each year targeted at different beneficiaries.
However, he said there had been a drop in cash contributions as people now favoured digital payment.
Also present at the handover ceremony at SCAS&FT’s premises in Petaling Jaya, Selangor were its president Datuk Hong Yee Keong and Finance, Investment and Fundraising chairman Datuk Chan Kam Fatt.
Joining them were RCKLD president elect Dr Alaric Nathan and joint secretary Aiman Manan.
The SCAS&FT is a non-profit organisation dedicated to improving quality of life for children with cerebral palsy.
It offers free, lifelong support and therapy services.
The organisation has a day school offering basic academic lessons, vocational training and sheltered workshops for handicraft and income-generation activities.
Its fully equipped rehabilitation centre provides a range of treatments covering physiotherapy, speech therapy, hydrotherapy, riding therapy and occupational therapy.
Currently there are 130 students registered with the school, supported by 40 staff.
Hong said cerebral palsy was a condition that damaged the brain of newborns, affecting their motor functions and impacting the ability to control their muscles.
“Our goal is to help these children integrate into society by giving them the education and therapy they need,” Hong said.
SCAS&FT is dependent on donations and fundraising activities to run the organisation and its programmes.
Director and honorary treasurer Tan Meng Keat said the organisation needed RM160,000 per month and about RM2mil per year for its operations and activities.
“We welcome more donations as every single contribution makes a difference in the lives of those with cerebral palsy,” he said.
For enquiries and contributions, contact 03-7958 2393 or email info@scasft.org
