(From left) LASS supporter How Hwee Bee, Yap, Kavindran, Dhanesh, Shweta, AniHELP 2019 volunteer Priyanka Poptani, Amilan, and officers from the police K9 Unit are seen during a photo-call.
KUALA LUMPUR: HELP University launched its ninth AniHELP event, themed ‘A Paw in Need’ at the HELP Matriculation Centre (HMC) here recently.
A press statement from the university said the event aimed to create awareness of the prevention of cruelty to animals and the importance of animal adoption.
HMC’s signature event was run in collaboration with strategic partner Hills Science Diet Malaysia, while Lost Animal Souls Shelter (LASS) was the sole beneficiary.
Joy Roberts, currently pursuing her foundation studies at HMC, chaired the organising committee, and worked for four months together with other HMC student volunteers.
Faculty of University Foundation Studies dean Dhanesh Balakrishnan, Miss Universe Malaysia 2019 Shweta Sekhon, LASS treasurer Kavindran Ganasen, magician and performer Snow Yap, as well as Animal Medical Centre director Dr Amilan Sivagurunathan jointly launched the event.
Dhanesh said the event served as an excellent platform for HELP students to show compassion.
“The world today is in a ‘Vuca’ world – a world that is filled with volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity.
“You will find that compassion is the only way we can get rid of the environment we are currently living in. And starting with the young ones is really important. At HELP Matriculation Centre, I am extremely proud that the students have actually initiated this,” he said.
Dhanesh pointed out that today’s graduates needed compassion, communications, and good language skills in order to succeed.
Shweta said it was really important to champion the voiceless.
“Events such as AniHELP unites us and teaches youths to speak on behalf of animals. I feel that it’s really important to create an awareness amongst the youth who are going to be the future leaders, who can then nurture a society that cares for animals,” she said.
Kavindran said LASS was set up to help strays, especially dogs abandoned by their owners or homeless dogs that grew up without experiencing a loving environment.
The dog shelter based in Kuala Selangor provides care and shelter for over 250 rescue dogs.
“We are extremely appreciative of the funds donated by caring students of HELP and the awareness created by AniHELP for our shelter,” said Kavindran.
The event attracted a diverse crowd of staff, students, as well as the public drawn in by the music as well as the presence of dogs and puppies barking their attendance.
Activities began with a magic show by Yap, followed by a demonstration from the police K9 Unit.