A GROUP of 22 students from Taylor’s University Lakeside Campus successfully raised RM200,000 for Majlis Kanser Nasional (Makna) through the Jom Botak 2016 fundraising campaign.
Ng Jia Sheng, Dwayne Lim Diing Yienn, Thye Wen Yi and Fong Li Yee spent six weeks coordinating this fundraising effort while juggling a full-time academic load.
“It has been a whirlwind period and I am ecstatic that the campaign has far exceeded the expectation we initially set, which was RM50,000,” said Lim.
The campaign, which ran from early May until June 15, consisted of a three-pronged approach to raise money.
The first phase involved a head-shaving initiative called “Go Auction” while the second and third phases of the campaign were the Jom Botak Carnival and the Go Concert, respectively.
“We hit the RM50,000 target one month before our actual event date and raised RM200,000 overall through this campaign,” he said.
Also present at the event was Taylor’s University deputy vice-chancellor Professor Dr Pradeep Nair along with Makna general manager Farahida Farid and Taylor’s Education Group corporate social responsibility manager May Wong Mei Ching.
Pradeep thanked the students for the hard work they put into making the event a success.
“I urge you not to stop here and to continue to live your life always connecting with people around you,” added Pradeep.
Farahida was touched by the magnitude of the event and grateful for the camaraderie and support of the Taylor’s community for those fighting cancer.
“Academic excellence makes great students, but it is the act of kindness and of giving hope that make great human beings.
“I congratulate Taylor’s University for encouraging its student body and faculty to look beyond academic pursuits but to cultivate social consciousness and embrace the social responsibility of helping those who are in need,” said Farahida.
Wong, who is also a cancer survivor, said it was rare for a work-place to offer a platform for students to contribute to such projects and for the staff to also have a chance to take part.
“After much consideration, I decided to go bald and support the cancer cause.
“My participation would not have happened without the encouragement and support of my boss, Datuk Loy Teik Ngan, who is so passionate about holistic education,” she said.
Wong added that her colleagues offered moral support, and family and friends contributed RM32,000 to the cause.
“Going bald was not as big a deal as I thought it would be. I did it easily with a smile, because I’m not battling cancerous cells in pain and fearful of losing my life.
“My heart goes out to those who have lost their hair and are fighting to stay alive while keeping their spirits up for their friends and family,” added Wong.
Participants of the head-shaving initiative consisted of 17 individuals from Taylor’s University and 14 members of the public.
“Cancer is a sombre topic and we all know someone who has been diagnosed with it, yet there is still a lot to be done to create awareness, especially among the youth.
“We wanted to engage our peers in an insightful but fun way and organise activities that will fulfil our aim,” said Fong
The committee also organised five talks over two consecutive Wednesdays as well as health checks for the Taylor’s community.
As part of the Jom Botak Carnival, there were face painting and henna drawing activities as well as games and a blood donation drive.
During the carnival, two students – Aaleyxia Intan Ahmad Termizi, a cancer survivor, and Taona Oswald – performed an original song they penned together.
There were also performances by local artistes such as Zen, Winson Voon, MAD August and Armon.
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