THE “Dine and Donate” fundraiser for SJK (C) Lee Min’s new school building netted RM26,501 from the half-day event held at a restaurant in Batu Belah, Klang.
The school is seeking funds to build 36 classrooms, including special education rooms and other essential learning facilities.
It is expected to be relocated in 2028 from its current flood-prone area in Kampung Telok Gong, Port Klang, to a new site in Bandar Bestari, Klang.
Over 900 people, including alumni and supporters, gathered for a day of fun, food and friendship during the fundraiser held at Restoran Yik Heong in Klang.
Many took the opportunity to catch up with old friends and share stories over a heartwarming bak kut teh meal.
Restaurant owner Teh Soon Lee, who has helmed the business for 17 years, said total earnings from the fundraiser would be channelled to the school building fund.
Selangor local government and tourism committee chairman Datuk Ng Suee Lim, who attended the fundraiser, said the event helped to connect communities and address the needs of the people.
He said the school’s board of governors had three other fundraisers and had gone all out to collect donations from individuals and companies.
“They have collected RM5.7mil to date, with the ‘dine and donate’ event adding another RM26,501 to the collection,” he said.
Ng pledged to encourage corporate companies to contribute to the cause.
The Sekinchan assemblyman said on the morning of the event, he persuaded a company that operates a chain of convenience stores to contribute RM300,000 to the fundraiser.
The school board adviser and relocation committee chairman Datuk Seri Jason Lee said the 81-year-old school would be relocated to a 2ha piece of land some 3km from the present site.
“The 36 classrooms will be built under Phase One of the relocation project,” he said.
Lee said the school, which is partially aided, needed RM20mil for the entire project.
“However, we first need to raise RM10mil to meet the Education Ministry’s requirements to kickstart the initiative,” said Lee.
Klang MP V. Ganabatirau, who was also present, said he contributed RM50,000 from his parliamentary funds last year and pledged a similar amount this year for the project.
School board chairman Yeo Jue Chuan said the event attended by the school’s alumni turned a weekend meal into a memorable occasion.
One diner, Samantha Choo, said she enjoyed the meal and the opportunity to contribute to a good cause.
“I am happy that the school is moving to a new and safer site,” she said.
