Wee (centre) in a group photo with the organisers and the children after planting the tree.
KUCHING: More companies should adopt a charitable home or institution, suggested Kuching South City Council (MBKS) mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng.
He pointed out that some charities in the world are actually supported by foundations or trusts that run businesses, although he said there is no need to turn companies into foundations or trusts.
“As a suggestion, one way for a successful company is to ‘adopt a charitable home or institution’.
“The company can come up with a budget to contribute a regular sum to the adopted home or institution. I hope more companies will take up this suggestion,” he said at the Team Dynamic Kuching (TDK) Christmas Programme with Salvation Army Children’s Home here yesterday.
Wee noted that the programme is a good example of how non-governmental organisations (NGOs) can help and support the less fortunate in the community.
“There are many things that a mayor is called upon to do.
“One of the most satisfying aspects of the job is lending support to voluntary welfare organisations, to help raise funds, to encourage the volunteers in their work, or to thank the many sponsors and well-wishers who have made the work of the voluntary welfare organisations possible,” he said while commending the NGO for its charitable effort.
Wee urged all those who can afford to support any charitable bodies to do so.
“In order to foster the spirit of caring and sharing in our society, more successful companies and non-governmental organisations should give financial support.
“It is essential that the captains of the industry, be it any industry, reaches out to the less fortunate through the act of giving, supplementing the grants normally given out by the government.
“The day will come when the fortunate naturally support the less fortunate, only then can we say we have a truly compassionate society,” he opined.
During the event, Wee alongside TDK members and children at Salvation Army planted a Christmas tree in front of the home. The children also took part in a colouring contest and were given presents from their wish list. Also present were TDK leader Eric Tay, Salvation Army Children’s Home superintendent Captain Catherine Aloba and others.