Lim (in cap) posing with the organising committee.
AT AN age when most people slow down, 82-year-old Kang Joo Lye is choosing to lace up his shoes and join a race.
The resident of Silver Jubilee Home For the Aged was beaming as he showed off his finisher’s medal from the Charity With Love Fun Run.
The inaugural five-kilometre event was held in Bayan Lepas where the home is located.
“Obviously, I walked. There was no way I could run with these legs.
“I was happy that I did not need any assistance and managed the whole walk on my own.
“It may not mean much to others, especially those who are young and fit, but to me, it feels like I have accomplished something big,” he said.
Kang, 82, is happy to have completed the challenge without needing assistance.
The youngest of 10 siblings and a bachelor, Kang said he stayed with his siblings before moving to the home 14 years ago.
“While we do have activities here, I hope there will be more events where we can participate alongside younger people.
“It made me feel youthful and I did not find the distance difficult.”
Kang credited his stamina to regular exercise sessions at the home.
“It is important to keep fit. My weekly exercises definitely helped me complete the distance,” he said.
A young participant, Cloe Ang, 18, signed up with her parents.
She said the elderly participants were inspiring.
“I am young and fitness is part of my lifestyle, but I know that as people age, they tend to stay at home more and exercise less.
Cloe, 18, says it’s really cool to see those in their 80s join the run.
“We are used to seeing the elderly watching television.
“Here, I saw people in their 80s enjoying themselves and still having the stamina to do it. That was really cool.”
Cloe, who recently completed secondary school, said she hoped more inclusive events would be organised to allow the younger generation to interact with the elderly.
“It will help us understand their needs better and learn how to assist them.”
Held in conjunction with the home’s 90th anniversary, the event attracted nearly 1,000 participants and raised RM404,000 for the care of the residents.
Bayan Baru MP Sim Tze Tzin contributed RM20,000 to bring the total to RM424,000.
About 10 of the home’s 102 residents took part in the run and completed it.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who launched the event, said it was a meaningful way to commemorate nine decades of service while reflecting Penang’s values as a caring and inclusive state.
Chow (front row, fourth from right) with organisers and Silver Jubilee Home residents celebrating with an anniversary cake. — Photos: LIM BENG TATT/The Star
“I commend the organisers for marking this important milestone by celebrating compassion, healthy living and strong community spirit,” he said, adding that the residents’ determination and positive outlook were admirable.
Chow noted that the donations raised would go a long way towards enhancing their quality of life.
“The home does not take money from its residents and relies entirely on public donations.
“It needs about RM4mil a year to operate. Support comes in the form of food or financial contributions.
“I encourage more individuals, companies and organisations to step forward, whether through donations or by organising activities, so this community does not feel left out.”
Organising chairman Datuk Lim Choo Hooi said, “With support from all sectors of society, this charity run exceeded our initial fundraising target.”
Founded in 1935, the home for senior citizens is sustained by benefactors, volunteers and organisations.
“This long-standing commitment has made the home not just a place of refuge, but also a beacon of warmth and hope,” said Lim, who is the Penang Forward Sports Club chairman, adding that the event brought families and the community together.
