Kuching autistic body raises RM200,000 at charity food fair

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Hundreds throng the Christian Ecumenical Worship Centre during KAA’s annual charity food sale.

Hundreds throng the Christian Ecumenical Worship Centre during KAA’s annual charity food sale.

KUCHING: The Kuching Autistic Association (KAA) raised some RM200,000 during its annual charity food sale at the Christian Ecumenical Worship Centre near Jalan Stampin here yesterday.

The figure, however, seemed considerably little given that the association’s training centre at Jalan Desa Wira registered an operating deficit of an estimated RM331,730 for this year-to-date alone.

According to KAA president Dr Yao Sik Chi, the training centre has 72 students, 27 teachers, an administrator and a caretaker.

Fatimah (third right) presents a certificate of appreciation to a stall operator, as Dr Yao (left) and others look on.

Fatimah (third right) presents a certificate of appreciation to a stall operator, as Dr Yao (left) and others look on.

Running the centre is indeed a challenge as the monthly operating cost per child stands at RM733. Currently, the facility receives monthly training contribution of RM350 per child. At the event, Welfare, Women and Family Development Minister Datuk Fatimah Abdullah presented certificates of appreciation to stall operators after officiating at the opening.

By 7am, people from different walks of life came and patronise all 93 stalls that offered a variety of items ranging from food and beverages to clothing and accessories. The organiser also invited performers for the charity sale, entertaining visitors with cha-cha and line dancing, as well as zumba.