SMG employees with ‘Gift of Love’ recipients at Orkids in Petaling Jaya. The event saw wish list gifting for special children. — SAMUEL ONG/The Star
Star Media Group (SMG) staff granted wishes of 32 special children under its “Gift of Love” initiative.
The SMG Employee Corporate Social Responsibility programme presented the gifts based on a wish list made by the special individuals aged seven to 20 from Persatuan Kebajikan Anak-Anak Istimewa Selangor (Orkids).
Orkids is a non-profit educational resource centre for special children in Petaling Jaya.
SMG employee Lisa Marie Ann Ambrosc said she roped her brother Vincent Paul into buying gifts on the wish list.
“My brother, who works as an offshore engineer, is generous when it comes to charity projects and decided to help out.
“Based on the wish list, I bought a pair of sports shoes for a 20-year-old youth while my brother bought a bicycle for a seven-year-old girl,” said Lisa Marie, an executive from SMG’s Group People Department.
She added, “My family celebrates Christmas. It is a time for family gatherings and sharing gifts between family members and friends.
“This year, my brother and I took this opportunity to do charity by granting the wishes of these special children.”
Aside from receiving the items they had wished for, the children also enjoyed lunch courtesy of the media group.
SMG Corporate Communication and Social Impact general manager Daphne Wong said the occasion was more than just offering of gifts.
“We care about the children and we want them to know they are cherished and supported.
“Each child here is an incredible source of inspiration in their resilience, joy and love.”
Wong said the generosity of SMG staff was apparent from when the project was rolled out.
“Gift of Love” even received the attention of group chief executive officer Chan Seng Fatt, who donated a bicycle.
SMG employee Sashikumar Muniandy said he could relate to Orkids’ children as his third child aged four has Down Syndrome as well as hearing and speech difficulties.
“Children with Down Syndrome are very loving. They just hit their milestones later compared to average children.
“However, with a lot of patience from their parents and support system, they can thrive,” said Sashikumar, who bought flash cards as a gift for an eight-year-old child.
Orkids co-founder and director Sri Rahayu Samsudin said the association helped special children master literacy and numeracy skills.
The children attend lessons two days a week at Orkids, and special integration education programme at schools on the remaining three weekdays.
“We also do vocational training so that they are employable or have skills that will help them,” said Sri Rahayu.
She said the wish list initiative was interesting as it provided a chance for the children to brainstorm with teachers and parents on what they needed.
“We had a student who wanted new spectacles because it was time to replace his old pair.
“Thanks to ‘Gift of Love’, his wish was granted,” she said.
