Yeoh touched by well-wishers who donated to the poor in USJ1 - The Star

May 6, 2008 By THO XIN YI

THE less fortunate ones should have their own dreams and work towards making it come true.

In view of this, Dreams Alive – a coalition of non-profit and non-governmental organisations work-ing with vulnerable children in Malaysia – combined their resources with sponsors to come up with the Dreams Alive Charity Bazaar 2008.

The event was held at The Summit USJ last weekend in aid of six charity organisations for poor children in the country.

The organisations were Persatuan Kebajikan Hope Worldwide Kuala Lumpur, Yayasan Harapan Kanak-kanak Malaysia, National Associa-tion of Early Childhood Care and Education Malaysia, Rumah Anak Yatim Vivekananda Seremban, Ma-laysian Child Resource Institute and Borneo Child Aid.

In their element: Children from the National Association of Early Childhood Care and Education Malaysia putting up a performance that drew laughter and loud applause from the audience.

About 20 stalls were set up at the foyer, selling a variety of goods, such as food, handicraft, clothes, stationery and decorative items.

Programme director Darick Wong said the efforts to build good leaders of the future should start immediately.

“We are unable to do this alone. We need the strength and support of every individual, community, company and organisation in this country,” he said.

Subang Jaya assemblyman Han-nah Yeoh, who launched the event, urged the people to not only focus on monetary investment, but also look into investing in the children.

“Never undermine a young person,” she said, citing herself as an example of one being given the chance by many to serve the people at the age of 29.

“A nation shouldn't only excel in development, economy and education; it must also be rich in welfare,” she said.

And, as the people's representative, Yeoh has done her part for the youngsters.

“I have initiated a weekly education programme for underprivileged children, aimed at building their confidence.

“It will start in May,” she said.

She also mentioned that she was touched by the many well-wishers who had come forward to donate items to the poor families in USJ 1, after she highlighted their plight in her blog.

“Some of the families have only RM200 to feed two or three children.

“I will be meeting some sponsors soon and am trying to get licences from the MPSJ for them to work as traders at the kiosk near their flats,” she said.