Wee (second left) presents certificate of appreciation to a booth operator. Hung is seen at left, back row.
KUCHING: The Kuching Life Care Society is short of RM2 million to meet its target of over RM10 million for the proposed construction of its Palliative Care Centre (PCC).
Its chairman Hung Sung Huo said the Society had raised more than RM8 million for the project, which is now awaiting building plan approval from the state Land and Survey Department (LSD) and Padawan Municipal Council (MPP).
“The project was already approved by the Ministry of Health in May this year. We are now waiting for approvals (for the building plan) from LSD and MPP.
“Such approvals should take another couple of months. We believe the project can take off after Chinese New Year (next year),” he told journalists at the Society’s annual fund-raising food fair held at Dewan Masyarakat here yesterday.
Two supporters (left) and an operator share some light moments at the charity event.
Kuching South City Council (MBKS) mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng was the guest of honour at the charity event. He presented certificates of appreciation to more than 80 booth operators.
According to the Society’s website, the proposed PCC is set to provide active care and the best services for patients with incurable diseases and their families.
Palliative care involves pain management and control of symptoms as well as monitoring of psychological, emotional and social aspects are emphasised.
Meanwhile, hundreds of people from all walks of life thronged the hall for the charity food fair.
According to Hung, some of the over 80 booth operators started from as early as 6am to sell various types of food items as well as plants, clothes and carpets.
He added that the event itself managed to raise over RM200,000 to help meet the proposed PCC project cost.
Wee, when met, said he was delighted to see the food fair attract a lot of donors and caring individuals of the city in contributing towards a good cause.
“This is one of the things that makes Sarawak very unique. This (food fair) is not the end of it, donors who are willing to donate and contribute towards the Society can continue to do so after this food fair,” he said.
He also appealed to everyone to continue supporting non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and charitable bodies.
“As the society advances, we need not only smart people but caring ones with a great heart. People of all ages are here to help, doing charitable for Sarawakians, transcending race and religion.
“We have to keep it up as the society won’t be able to move forward without loving people,” added Wee.