A lion dance performance injecting a festive vibe at the CNY do. — RAJA FAISAL HISHAN/The Star
CHINESE New Year began on a cheery note for 160 underprivileged children thanks to a festive do organised by a charitable non-profit.
The event by Budimas Charitable Foundation involved children aged four to 17 from selected care homes.
Participating homes included Pusat Jagaan Kebajikan Kanak-Kanak Budimas Orion, Pertubuhan Kasih Sayang Kanak-Kanak Padmasambhava and House of Love in Kuala Lumpur.
There were also children from a care home in Kampung Orang Asli Sungai Melut in Sepang, Selangor.
The event at Bukit Bandaraya Community Centre in Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur, was attended by the foundation’s trustee board members and partners.
In her welcoming speech, foundation principal officer Anne Rajasaikaran hoped this would be an uplifting experience for the children.
“Many of these children do not have the opportunity to experience the joy of this festivity because of various circumstances.
“By celebrating together with them, we not only bring joy but also foster a sense of belonging and inclusion,” she said.
Foundation trustee board member Steve Teoh said the event was another milestone in the organisation’s list of achievements.
“In 2023, we launched a programme to provide breakfast to needy children, as well as build libraries.
“None of these would have been possible without the collective efforts of our team, donors and volunteers,” he said.
At the event, the audience was entertained by several performances from the children, as well as a lion dance.
Later, the children received school supplies such as bags, stationery and water tumblers, as well as ang pow.
Also present were foundation chairman Tunku Datuk Yaacob Khyra as well as representatives from partners and sponsors, namely Sols Energy, Management & Science University and Gleneagles Kuala Lumpur.
Budimas Charitable Foundation is a non-profit dedicated to providing support to orphans and underprivileged children in Malaysia.
Incorporated under the Trustees Act 1952, it focuses on food, education and shelter.
