Boxes filled with new year cheer for the less fortunate

Members of PCCC’s Young Entrepreneur Section giving away a festive gift box to Hsiao Ping at Wisma Tah Wah in Butterworth. With them is Phee (right). — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star

SOME 200 underprivileged families in north Seberang Prai received festive gifts for Chinese New Year, comprising food items packed in boxes, thanks to the Penang Chinese Chamber of Commerce (PCCC).

PCCC president Datuk Seri Hong Yeam Wah said among the foodstuff were rice packets, sugar, biscuits, coffee, Milo, canned food, cooking oil and beehoon.

He said the event was part of PCCC’s Young Entrepreneur Section (Yes)’s corporate social responsibility (CSR).

He also said for safety reasons due to the pandemic, the items were delivered to the recipients’ doorstep by Yes members who went around in 30 cars.

“This is the second year we are giving away food items for those from the mainland while on the island, we have been doing it for 10 years now,” said Hong.

Also present were event organising chairman Benson Neoh Kah Wei and Penang welfare, caring society and environment committee chairman Phee Boon Poh.

Phee commended the group for responding to the government’s call to say ‘no’ to one-time use of plastic by giving away the foodstuff in boxes which are recyclable.

“This is something which is good and must be followed,” he added.

“The youths have started taking responsibility in helping one another through CSR.

“With this example, I am very sure in the long run, more people will subscribe to the idea of giving away food and other items in boxes, especially during festive seasons,” he said.

In a symbolic handover ceremony at Wisma Tah Wah in Jalan Kampung Gajah, Butterworth, housewife Lim Hsiao Ping, 41, received the food aid on behalf of her disabled sister Lim Hsiao Fen, 37, from Bagan Jermal.

Hsiao Ping, who thanked PCCC for the aid, said she had been taking care of her sister since 2007 after the latter became disabled due to kidney problems.