MIRI: The plight of the children at St Bernadette’s Convent in Marudi, which was highlighted in The Borneo Post recently, has touched some hearts at the Inner Wheel Club Miri.
Inner Wheel Club Miri charity project organising committee members (from left) Trinnah, Joanna, Florence and Kate Steward (also Outpost Miri members) calling for public support to give girls a decent life in St Bernadette’s Convent.
Although a non-profit making club with little resources and manpower, the club led by president Joanna Joy Abdullah is determined to carry out a charity project in aid of the convent.
“With strong public cooperation and our sincere goal of helping them, we will collect as much as possible in cash and kind for the convent,” Joanna told The Borneo Post yesterday.
Earlier at a committee meeting, club secretary Florence Enau said among the urgently needed items are mattresses, curtains, clothing, stationery, books and toys (preferably soft toys).
“The 25 girls at the convent are school-going from primary 1-6, and they come from very poor families in rural areas, some are orphans, from broken homes, and their mothers work elsewhere to support them.
“We need public support to help these children lead a decent quality of life, as currently they are sleeping on a platform without mattress,” said Florence.
She said the Inner Wheel hopes to send whatever items donated soonest to the convent, and members of the public who want to send a donation in cash or kind could contact Florence at 012-8505004 or vice president Trinnah Estiva.
Florence said the latest project for the St Bernadette’s Convent is among charity projects and programmes carried out this year.
Recently, it donated stationery, detergent and food items to two charitable bodies and on Nov 29 from 10am to 12.30pm will take part in the Christmas Bazaar at Piasau Boat Club to raise funds for their projects. Among the items on sale will be cookies, cakes, Bario rice and salt, and handicrafts.
The public is encouraged to support the annual Christmas Bazaar, which will be participated by many non-governmental bodies including the Miri Outpost, and the Miri Petroleum Ladies Association, with part proceeds for charities.