MIRI: This city will host the next ‘Shoebox Christmas’ – a charity project founded six years ago
by individuals who are not affiliated to any political or religious group.
According to Shoebox Christmas Miri representative Joseph Koh, the objective is to encourage people to make a difference in the world simply through the act of giving.
“It was first initiated in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah six years ago and since then, it has touched many hearts,” he said after launching of the project at Mega Hotel here recently.
Koh said following its success, the group was very pleased to introduce the project in Sarawak, with this city being chosen for its strategic location.
He also pointed out that Mega Hotel was the first establishment of its kind in the state being appointed as the partner of choice for Shoebox Christmas.
In response, Mega Hotel operations manager Javaerlyne John Jutie said bringing festive joy to the less fortunate had always been part of the hotel’s programmes.
“We’re most honoured to be part of this project. This time around, we would like to look further and share our joy with children not only in Miri city itself, but also those from the rural areas.”
On the project, she said members of public could buy things such as stationery items, revision books, school shoes and socks, toiletry items, schoolbags, uniforms and clothing, and then have them wrapped inside shoeboxes as gifts for less-fortunate children.
“They can drop these boxes into the gift box at the hotel lobby throughout the campaign that will run till Dec 26 this year.”
The gifts, said Javaerlyne, would go to the children of Rumah Empaga and Kampung Setingan in Beluru, and also those in Long Jekitan, Ulu Baram.
For more information on Shoebox Christmas, contact Mega Hotel’s communication manager Jenny Chen or personnel Nur Faiza via 085-432 432, or visit ‘Shoebox Christmas Miri’ on Facebook.