By V. Sivaji
Penang Chief Minister YAB Chow Kon Yeow had never failed to make time to attend the Salvation Army Penang’s Open Day & Charity Food Fair along Logan Road yearly.
After a hiatus since 2019, the fair was back again with throngs of people milling to do their bid for the benefit of the home.
The home which houses 19 boys had gone to great lengths to prepare for the charity food fair with some keeping up till midnight to ensure the final preparations.
Also present was Major David Erikson, Major Susie Erickson, Major Lee Kong Yee among others.
In his address, Chow hailed the Salvation Army Penang for their long history of helping the underprivileged, especially children.
“Many of the boys who had grown up in the home are now contributing back to our local communities by being good and law-abiding citizens with families of their own.
“The Penang state government is always more than willing to partner with or to collaborate with the NGOs towards a common aim. We have never forgotten all that has taken place during those difficult times,” he added.
He also announced a donation of RM20,000 towards the upkeep of the home.
Chow also urged NGOs to present their working paper for charity projects which can be drawn from the state government’s annual grant of RM2 million for NGOs in Penang.
He later toured the 60 odd food stalls and mingled with people who had turned up to support the good cause. The home target is to raise RM160,000 this year.