Cheerful volunteers (above) and plethora of stalls selling local food (below) raising spirits and funds at St Mark’s Church event in Seremban.
ST MARK’s Church in Seremban, Negri Sembilan, celebrated its 120th anniversary with a food carnival fundraiser.
The aim was to help the needy via its social concern ministry, as well as to purchase a new van.
“For the past two years, we have had a street feeding programme where we distribute food to the homeless in the city every Friday,” said event organising chairman Philip Timothy.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, the church also started a food bank which helped families affected by loss of income.
In November 2020, it aided families affected by a flood that hit low-lying areas.
Seremban MP Anthony Loke, who came out to support the fundraiser, donated RM30,000 and he thanked the church for its contributions to society.
Reminiscing, Loke, who is also Transport Minister, said he attended Tadika St Mark in 1984 even though his family was not Christian.
“I am grateful to the institutions that have shaped me, and I wish to pay back and contribute to society,” he said.
Around 5,000 carnival-goers were spoilt for choice in the variety of food such as nasi lemak, mee kari, Sarawak laksa, burgers, hotdogs, crispy lumpia, cendol and cakes from stalls set up by church auxiliary bodies.
There were also booths providing free vehicle inspection, medical check-ups and financial advice.
Stray rescue Furrykids Safehaven also held a dog adoption drive.
Bands performed, and there were exercise sessions and games for children.
St Mark’s hall was officially opened after the Thanksgiving service by the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of West Malaysia Right Revd Dr D. Steven Abbarow.
The hall, built in 1988, was refurbished earlier this year at a cost of RM190,000.
The additions included automatic sliding doors, new concrete stage, changing rooms, plaster ceiling, LED lighting and a public address system.
Roof tiles and rain gutters were also repaired or replaced.
