What the Christmas spirit is really about

Festive cheer: Children from three charities in Seremban enjoying one of the entertaining performances during the launch of Christmas Candyland, a holiday-themed line-up of events, at Bandar Sri Sendayan.

SEREMBAN: A group of Orang Asli children confidently belted out a couple of Christmas carols with no trace of stage jitters.

None of the audience could tell that the 26 kids from Kampung Sebir and Kampung Belihoi, near here, had practised for only two days for their first public show.

They enthralled guests with their performance at a Christmas dinner for underprivileged children.

Church of Visitation’s Ministry of the Poor leader Eddie Charles said the children have been a part of the church community for years.

“Before this, they had only sung at their village chapels and this was the first time they performed in public.

“They outdid themselves despite having only practised for a day or two,” he said, adding that the successful performance has boosted the children’s confidence in singing.

Organised by Matrix Concepts as part of its corporate social responsibility initiative, some 100 children were invited to the fun-filled event, where they took part in games and activities followed by a sumptuous dinner last Saturday.The event also saw the developer presenting financial aid of RM3,000 each to three shelters – Shekinah Care Centre, Pertubuhan Kebajikan Kanak-Kanak Seremban and Church of Visitation.

Its chief executive officer Chai Keng Wai said the Christmas programme was aimed at sharing the spirit of kindness and generosity with the less fortunate.

It reflected the company’s commitment to community engagement, which is in line with its mission to upkeep social sustainability efforts during all major festivities, he added.

Shekinah Care Centre caretaker Lucas Aruputham expressed his gratitude to the developer for hosting them at the Christmas event and its meaningful contribution.

“It brings smiles to the children because such a gesture makes them feel like they are special and provides them with a sense of belonging with the community.

“The cash aid will help alleviate our financial burden,” he said, adding that the money will be used to purchase school uniforms, shoes and other supplies for the children in preparing them for a new school year.

The centre, he said, is a refuge for 25 children aged between one and 17 from underprivileged families.