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With the resounding clash of Chinese cymbals and drums of the traditional lion dance, the 2013 Da Ma Cai Chinese New Year Festival Charity Programme for northern region were celebrated at the Penang Home for the Infirm and Aged today. The charity programme is an annual corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative by Da Ma Cai since 1994.
Held for the nineteenth year, the Festival Charity Programme this year will see a total of RM500,000 contributed to 50 charitable organisations nationwide, benefiting individuals under their care. The financial contribution will go towards the development of charities and voluntary organisations that provide services for the elderly, orphans, socio-economically deprived and disabled communities. And with this year’s contribution, the Festival Charity Programme has surpassed the 12 million Ringgit mark.
Pan Malaysian Pools Sdn Bhd Managing Director Mr Tan Kong Han said PMP always believes in giving back to society and the vision for the betterment of the society has kept this philanthropic effort running for 19 years since the inception in 1994.
“Recent years have shown it has been a challenging time for the nation, with the global economy facing tremulous economic conditions, and it has taught us that life can be unpredictable. If we have felt the brunt of trying economic times and escalating inflation, imagine the deep impact it has on the lives of the less fortunate. For the underprivileged, festivals and celebrations are simple luxuries that many are not able to enjoy. We are therefore happy that the Da Ma Cai Chinese New Year Festival Programme has been an avenue for us to share the joy and happiness of the festive season with the needy,” Mr Tan said.
In conjunction with the launch for the northern region, Da Ma Cai organised a Chinese New Year extravaganza for some 200 guests comprising the disabled, orphans, the elderly and the poor. Guests were treated to a sumptuous lunch while being entertained by stage performances and interactive fun games. In keeping with tradition, ‘ang pows’ and mandarin oranges were also presented to the guests.
At the ceremony, cheques were presented to 15 charity bodies from Penang, Kedah and Perak amounting to RM150,000, which is part of this nationwide programme.
