MELAKA: The generous nature of Malaysians is once again evident after a fundraising effort raised about RM30,000 to aid a man and his adopted daughter who has Down syndrome.
Nearly RM30,000 has poured in for Teo Hock Teng, 58, and the 16-year-old within two days after their plight was highlighted in The Star on July 19.
Tanjung Bidara Lions Club, which came to their aid, said the funds collected could reduce their burden.
Its chairman Patric Chang said his team initially lacked confidence, worrying that the economic uncertainty might impact the effort to raise sufficient funds.
“We received an overwhelming response from the public, especially the young entrepreneurs.
“A number of my entrepreneur friends have also chipped in to help,” he said after visiting them at their home in Bandar Hilir here.
“This shows Malaysians are golden-hearted people,” he added.
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Chang said the public donation would be distributed for medical expenses and other needs of the teenager, who was diagnosed with thoracic scoliosis - sideways curvature of the middle, or thoracic, region of the spine.
“Every single cent will be accounted for and I will announce the total expenditure incurred after the teenager undergoes her corrective surgery at Kuala Lumpur Hospital scheduled by end of this year,” he added.
It was reported that Teo, a bachelor, decided to adopt the girl, who was still a baby then, when she smiled at him.
This melted his heart when he saw her at Hospital Melaka in 2007.
”She gave me a cute smile and her little fingers moved while I was looking at her through the viewing window as though there was a connection between us," he said.
Teo said the girl’s mother, who was his neighbour, did not want to care for the newborn, so he took her in as his own through lawful procedures.
The baby’s father had abandoned both mother and child.
