Artiste who grew up in welfare home recalls kindness shown to him

RISING singer, songwriter and actor Kael is encouraging less fortunate children to never give up in their pursuit for a better life.

RISING singer, songwriter and actor Michael Leaner, better known as Kael, remembers what it was like growing up in a welfare home.

Relating his childhood experience, Kael said the grace and kindness of others played a part in the person he has become today.

“I was fortunate as the home I lived in was sufficiently funded.

“I remember writing down my wishes, which would be displayed on Christmas trees at malls, and some kind person has always granted my wishes,” Kael recalled.

He said he and his peers were always grateful and happy to receive gifts, and it was heartening to know there were people out there who cared.

“I know how it feels and it is very important for me to give something back to where I came from,” said Kael.

He is calling for more people to donate goods through the #DaretoCare campaign.

“I want the kids at welfare homes today to know that they are special because of what they are going through and how they can grow to be someone stronger out of it.

“I also hope they will take the kindness they receive, channel it to pursue their dreams and carry on the spirit of giving to those who need it in the future,” said Kael.

#DaretoCare is a joint charity initiative championed by Star Media Group and SkyWorld Development Group to address the needs of welfare homes in Malaysia.

The campaign encourages the public to give and help the less fortunate by filling in gifts or donations of essential items in the given brown paper bags.

The filled bags can be dropped off at SkyWorld’s property galleries in Kuala Lumpur (Sentul, Setiawangsa, Bukit Jalil and Setapak) or at Menara Star, from now until Feb 15, where the developer will collect and distribute the items to selected welfare homes.

Alternatively, donors can get the paper bags at any of the property galleries, or drop off the donations directly.

For details, visit www.skyworld.my/#daretocare or e-mail [e-mail]

As a token of appreciation to donors, SkyWorld will give away GSC movie tickets when they make their donations (terms and conditions apply) at their property galleries.