Dennis (seventh left) handing over the rice to one of the recipients (on wheelchair), witnessed by Elizabeth (fifth right), Sara (fourth right) and members of the organising committee.
MIRI: The ‘Donate Rice for OKU’ campaign organised by Eda Beran Community Based Rehabilitation Centre (PDK), Baram has successfully collected 4,150 bags of rice which will benefit 415 people with limited abilities (OKU) in the area.
PDK Eda Beran chairlady Temenggong Elizabeth Deng said this year’s campaign also attracted donors from outside Malaysia such as Australia, Singapore and Qatar.
“We are thankful to everyone, especially donors and volunterrs who have helped made this campaign a success. The OKU from 73 longhouses in Baram area who are registered with PDK Eda Beran will receive 10 bags of rice each.”
She said this during a ceremony to distribute the rice to the recipients which was held at Dynasty Hotel last Saturday. Also present was Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau.
Elizabeth added that the rice donating campaign was being held twice a year and the recipients comprises OKU from the Kayan, Kenyah, Kiput, Lakiput, Berawan, Kelabit, Penan, Sebob, Saban, Malay, Iban and Chinese communities.
At the function, she also presented tokens of appreciation to volunteers who collected the most number of rice bags, namely Sara Lasa (513 bags), Philip Ngo (238 bags) and Dominic Nyurang (220 bags). A total of 29
volunteers were involved on the campaign.
Dennis and Baram MP Anyi Ngau each donated 250 bags of rice towards the campaign.
Meanwhile, Sara Lasa when sharing her experience in the campaign said she contacted all her friends including those outside Malaysia to chip in their donation.
“Among the donors were my friends from Qatar, Australia and Singapore who transfered money to ensure the success of this campaign. I am thankful to everyone who helped in one way or another,” she said.
Sara added that she was happy to be able to help the organising committee and hoped that the campaign can be continued in the future.
Meanwhile, Dennis also praised the effort of PDK Eda Beran in holding the campaign annually to help the OKU.
“The rice donation may seem small but it means a lot to those in need. I hope members of the public here can continue to support the event and donate generously,”he said.
Dennis also urged PDK Eda Beran to take in more volunteers so that more rice could be collected in similar campaigns in the future.