Seven groups given financial boost by Star Foundation
PETALING JAYA: The support from the Star Foundation has empowered several not-for-profit organisations to expand their impact.
Recently, seven NGOs received a timely boost from the foundation’s two programmes: the Star Social Impact Grant (SSIG) and the Supporting NGOs Programme.
Acting Star Foundation chairman Datuk Yeow Wah Chin said SSIG had awarded RM714,000 to 14 social organisations to amplify their reach.
Meanwhile, the Supporting NGOs Programme has benefited 362 NGOs with RM20.56mil in donations as of October.
“These accomplishments are not just statistics; they are a testament to our collective commitment to create meaningful change across Malaysia,” he said during the cheque presentation ceremony held at Menara Star here on Wednesday.
“To our recipients today, your unwavering dedication to championing causes that uplift those in need continues to serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration.”
During the ceremony, three recipients received funding under SSIG, which supports social enterprise projects aimed at improving the lives of local communities.
Four recipients were funded through the Supporting NGOs Programme, which provides ad-hoc financial assistance.
The Selangor Family Aid Association, a shelter for individuals with mental disabilities, received RM27,648 to repair the roof of its female ward.
Making a difference together: Wong (eighth from left), Yeow (seventh from left), Chan (eighth from right) posing for a group photo with organisation representatives at Star Foundation’s cheque presentation ceremony 2024 at Menara Star, Petaling Jaya. — SAMUEL ONG/The Star
The Home for the Aged, Simee Care Centre, a welfare home for the elderly, was given RM10,800 to purchase six Mobilis commode chairs, while RM26,500 was granted to Persatuan Insan Istimewa Cheras Selangor for roof repairs at their welfare home for underprivileged individuals with special needs.
Persatuan Mobiliti Selangor dan Kuala Lumpur received RM31,500 to assist with the purchase of a hydraulic lift for their vans use to transport people with disabilities.
Under SSIG, both Pertubuhan Wanita Berdaya (Women of Will) and IDEAS Autism Centre received RM50,000 each for their projects.
Women of Will will use the funds to empower 25 B40 women farmers in Keningau, Sabah, through organic farming and entrepreneurship skills, while IDEAS Autism Centre will use the grant to fund music therapy for 67 children from B40 families.
Lightup Borneo PLT was awarded RM34,000 for their Kg Ulu Sinderut (Pahang) Hydro Project, which aims to provide stable electricity to the rural community through hydro generators.
Women of Will president Datin Goh Suet Lan shared that the organisation is focusing on Sabah due to its high poverty rate.
“We have been working with communities in Sabah for seven years, and we are looking to deepen our engagement with these communities.
“Many of these communities live off the land, relying on farming for survival,” she said.
Through their project, expected to last 12 to 18 months, Women of Will will train women farmers in better agricultural practices, including the use of organic fertilisers, access to markets for surplus produce, and providing business capital.
Persatuan Mobiliti Selangor dan Kuala Lumpur vice-president How Sie Eng said the donation for hydraulic lifts, used for lifting passengers with mobility challenges, is very important as the equipment on the disabled-friendly vans needs to be repaired or replaced.
“The organisation has really helped many wheelchair users, including myself, making it more convenient to travel,” she said.
Also present at the event were Star Media Group chairman Tan Sri Datuk Wong Foon Meng and group chief executive officer Chan Seng Fatt.
