THE Maha Ganapathy Aalayam temple in Ipoh launched a wheelchair donation project during Ponggal.
The temple’s assistant secretary S. Vikneswaran said the project was the brainchild of devotee SR Nadarajah, a retired police officer who had roped in family members and friends to donate wheelchairs to the temple.
“The wheelchairs will only be given to the needy. Five people received the equipment on the day of the launch.
“Additionally, 10 wheelchairs are available for other applicants. The temple committee will vet all applications to ensure only the needy receive them, ” he added.
Nadarajah said this would be an ongoing project throughout the year.
“I hope all temples will carry out such projects with support from the public, ” he added.
Temple president Datuk V. Narayanan said this was the first of many projects that would be undertaken by the temple to assist the community.
“The ultimate objective of the committee is to promote culture and the arts and to reach out to the needy.
“Plans are afoot to provide free meals at the temple, as well as present educational aid to the underprivileged, ” he said.
Nadarajah also said that the temple was seeking donations for its renovation project, which is estimated to cost RM1.5mil, and it would include a consecration ceremony.
Application forms for the free wheelchairs are available at the temple between 7am and noon, and from 6.30pm to 9pm daily. — By MANJIT KAUR
