The Penang Rose Charities Association held its Christmas gathering at the Lone Pine Penang A Tribute Portfolio Resort with more than 100 members and guests lending support.
Guest-of-honour was Penang Island City Council Mayor, Dato A. Rajendran and his wife who was greeted by Rose Charities president, Dato Seri Lawrence Cheah and Lone Pine Penang general manager Dato Gulab Mahatam Rai
Guests were treated to a rendition of Xmas songs by a choir and ukulele players with lively numbers.
In his welcoming address, Cheah shared that the association has some 1,000 members who are mostly ex- civil servants.
“I would also like to welcome all guests and members to the joyous occasion and gathering. Today also marks the 20th anniversary of the Tsunami in 2004 where many people lost their lives.
“However, we are here to celebrate the year end with members and guests. We also thank our mayor for recognising the elderly and the aged.
Meanwhile, Rajendran expressed his admiration for the choir performance with their wonderful rendition.
“I would also like to congratulate Dato Lawrence for his dedication and hard work for the ageing society in Penang.
“As of 2023 we have reached 8% of the ageing society. On the other hand, I believe we will be able to achieve an age-friendly city by Dec 2025.
“We have also built walkways, lighted up parks, built better public toilets facilities and many more facilities to be recognised as an age friendly city”, shared Rajendran.
According to Gulab, the Lone Pine Penang partly sponsored the Christmas dinner as its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative.
“This is our way of playing an active role in the community and also supporting community related events and functions”, he added.
He also shared the newly formed Penang Healthy Ageing Society where he is the president along with Cheah being an advisor has been formally registered and will swing into full gear in the New Year.
Gulab Mahatam Rai