Petaling Jaya (Sunday)
Sports Toto Malaysia Sdn Bhd, together with Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) Petaling Jaya Utara Division brought early Deepavali cheer to the less fortunate today.
The company held a Deepavali Gathering for 250 needy senior citizens and children from poor families. The function was organised with the assistance of MIC PJ Utara Division.
Recipients of this charity donation were 58 inmates from Handicapped and Disabled Children's Association of Klang, inmates of SS2 Old Person's Home and needy senior citizens from PJ and the surrounding areas.
Apart from receiving Duit Deepavali, each recipient also received a Deepavali hamper consisting of Muruku, Milo, face towel, groundnut and wafer.
The function was graced by Deputy Minister of Rural Development cum MIC vice-president Dato' G. Palanivel. In his opening speech, he called on other private sector to emulate Sports Toto Malaysia for caring for the less fortunate by organising charity donation as a way to give something back to the society.
Present at the function were Member of Parliament for PJ Utara YB Chew Mei Fun, State Assemblyman for Damansara Utama YB C.K.Lim, Sports Toto Assistant Public Affairs Manager Voon Ah See and MIC PJ Utara Division Chairman N. Swaminathan.
Chew, in her speech stressed that as an MP, her services to safeguard the well being and rights of the people were not based on colour of the skin. She urged the people of all races to seek her help if they have any problem.
Meanwhile, CK Lim said, although Deepavali is celebratd by Indians, it has become a festival celebrated by all races now. And while celebrating this auspicious occasion, the less fortunate are not forgotten by others and this manifests the spirit of unity among Malaysians.
Lim added that it was especially so for residents staying in Petaling Jaya Utara. Whenever any one of the races encounters any problems, under the true spirit of helping one and other, other races would always come forward to help out.
Voon said, this was one of the many charitable activities carried out by Sports Toto Malaysia under the company's "Giving something back to the society" charity program. By carrying out these activities, the company hopes to help building a "Caring Society". He said, Sports Toto Malaysia would be holding two more such gatherings in Kajang and Kuala Kubu Bharu next week.
