The Salvation Army Penang has just launched the “You Care, We Care” fundraising campaign.
Lending support was Penang Chief Minister, Chow Kon Yeow with a RM20,000 donation over a zoom session.
“The Covid-19 pandemic has adversely affected many charities and NGOs like The Salvation Army particularly when it comes to fundraising activities.
“Events such as large dinners or food fairs are just not possible under the current Standard Operating Procedures. Even the number of volunteers and walk-in donors at charities has declined as the public adheres to movement control restrictions. All this makes things even more difficult for charity homes like The Salvation Army in Penang,” said Chow in his address.
He also added that despite the pandemic, The Salvation Army Penang Children’s Home continues to operate in providing vital care and protection for vulnerable children.
“Many of the children have no families to return to during the MCO and have to stay under the care of The Salvation Army. The officers and staff of the Home continued to report for duties throughout the MCO as essential workers. There was no shut down when it comes to The Salvation Army.
“The Salvation Army Penang has a long tradition of helping poor and needy families especially caring for boys in its Home at Jalan Logan. For many years, this organisation has provided a ‘caring home’ that many boys grew up in while not having families of their own,” said Chow.
“The Salvation Army has, through time and proper guidance, specialized in providing opportunities for disadvantaged boys to receive a proper education, care and protection.
“Since 1938, The Salvation Army Penang has been home to many hundreds of boys who have gone on to be successful in life with a bright future. Not only have they been successful in their careers but also succeeded in having families of their own and being good, caring fathers to their children,” said Chow.
He said that the people of Penang have always been very supportive of The Salvation Army in the past. The annual Open Day event was popular and attracted large crowds of patrons who enjoyed the food specialties on sale. But because of Covid-19, such a big public event can no longer be held.
“I am glad that The Salvation Army has launched the “You Care, We Care” campaign as an alternative to raise funds for your operations. By contributing to this fundraiser, a donor will receive a unique foldable shopping bag as a token of appreciation.
“The foldable shopping bag is printed with The Salvation Army logo as well as the fundraising event name “You Care, We Care”, which will be given to everyone regardless of the amount donated.
“This gift is also in-line with Penang’s No Plastic Bag Initiative, thus promoting the practice of using recyclable bags and reducing the use of plastic bags.
“Lastly, I wish your fundraising campaign a great success in spite of the various restrictions imposed upon us due to the Covid-19 pandemic,” ended Chow.
Also present at the zoom meeting was Major Francis Ng, Regional Officer Headquarters Malaysia, Major Spener, Penang Team Leader and Corps Officer Major Rai, Penang Team Leader, Community Service