Welfare home thanks donors at festive gathering

Children from Rumah Bakti Dato’ Harun showing the gifts they received at the event.

THE Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration is a much awaited time among the children at Rumah Bakti Dato’ Harun, a welfare home in Ampang, Selangor.

This year is no different as they were showered with gifts from members of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor (KLSCCCI).

There was also a delicious meal of local dishes and festive fare, such as lemang and rendang, served to the children as well as donors and sponsors.

(Right) The children and other guests enjoying the fare served during the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration. — Photos: LOW LAY PHON/The Star

The home’s residents, aged between seven and 17 years old, also enjoyed games at the celebration.

Lion-Parkson Foundation chairman Puan Sri Chelsia Cheng said the children enjoyed the games with team spirit, and were rewarded with presents.

The foundation was one of the sponsors.

“For primary school girls, I chose pink-coloured stationery, and for boys, I gave stationery with a Spider-Man design.

“For secondary students, we sponsored caps from South Korean brand SPAO.

“I personally selected the presents and souvenirs at Parkson,” she added.

Chairman of Rumah Bakti Dato’ Harun, which is also known as Pertubuhan Pendidikan Anak-Anak Yatim Selangor, Datuk Mohd Fahmi Ibrahim said KLSCCCI had consistently supported the home.

“We provide shelter for children who need immediate protection,” he said.

KLSCCCI council member and welfare committee chairman Datuk Barry Ong said the chamber had supported the home for 40 years, notably in the Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration.

“We are only doing a small part of this charity. We hope to inspire more companies to contribute to society,” he added.

Meanwhile, Datuk Abdul Nasser Abu Kassim, who oversees the finances of Rumah Bakti Dato’ Harun, said the event was also an occasion to show appreciation to donors and volunteers who had contributed to the welfare organisation since its beginning.

“We are thankful to KLSCCCI for their consistent help in ensuring Rumah Bakti Dato’ Harun runs smoothly.”

The home presently has 52 residents, he said.

“Our organisation needs money for maintenance and staff salaries as well as for the children’s expenses,” he added.