PETALING JAYA: Coming from modest backgrounds, despite being beauty queens now, Lee Yvonne and Samantha Katie James make it a point to put a smile on the faces of the less fortunate.
Lee, Miss World Malaysia 2012, who is active in charity work, wants to make a difference through her actions – big or small, as each one counts.
This Klangite has visited numerous old folks’ homes, taught basic English to poor children living in the slums and even supported a child from Mongolia; and is currently making monthly donations to a foundation.
“Growing up, I’ve been fortunate to have a shelter over my head, food on the table as well as education.
“I want to do what I can to help those in need so they can experience things that they might not have the opportunity to,” shared Lee.
She recalled the joy of watching the children’s faces light up after learning about grapes and trying the fruit during one of her classes with them.
Lee is also giving her support to the #DaretoCare campaign as she thinks it is a noble and commendable act by Star Media Group and SkyWorld Development Group.
“There are people, including my friends, who want to do their part in giving back to society but don’t know how or where to do so, and this would make a great platform to start,” she said, adding that she will help spread the word about this campaign.
Samantha, Miss Universe Malaysia 2017, is also lending her support to the campaign as she strongly believes in caring for one another.
“I always believe that we are brothers and sisters, even if we’re not related by blood, and we should always help the ones in need and care for each other,” she said.
Samantha, who is also from Klang, once planned a fun day out with an orphanage and fondly recalled how it was a joy to see the orphans enjoying themselves.
“I wanted them to have a good time. We played games and had lots of food.
“I even got some local celebrities to give an inspiring live talk show to share what to do next in life since most of the orphans were about to finish their SPM,” she shared.
She encouraged Malaysians to donate essential items to the homes and reminded that what they give will help change someone else’s life.
#DaretoCare is a joint charity initiative championed by Star Media Group and SkyWorld Development Group to address the needs of welfare homes in Malaysia.
The campaign encourages the public to give and help the less fortunate by filling gifts or donations of essential items in the brown paper bags.
The filled bags can be dropped off at SkyWorld’s property galleries in Sentul, Setiawangsa, Bukit Jalil and Setapak, from now until Feb 15, where the developer will collect and distribute the items to selected welfare homes.
Alternatively, donors can also get the paper bags at any of the property galleries, or drop off the donations directly.
For details, visit www.skyworld.my/#daretocare or email daretocare@thestar.com.my.
As a token of appreciation for the donors, SkyWorld will give away GSC movie tickets when they make their donations. Terms and conditions apply.