We've just completed the fundraising round for Project SMALL: Operasi Cili Padi and Humane Touch and are excited to get actual implementation of the project underway. Things have not been all fun and games though. There was a point we were rather worried that the SMALL teams may not reach their goal of raising RM5,000 respectively.
Project Operasi Cili Padi (OCP) had been running into some trouble with the beneficiary family (Komathy's family) as they had not been able to decide on what the extent of the renovations should be on the house. Conflicts ensued within the family and discussions with them became heated.
When observers from Magnum Corporation visited Komathy's house, we were shocked to find it in a state of utter dilapidation and disrepair. "How could anyone live like this?" we thought. The ceilings were damp and caving in, there were leaks and algae growing everywhere, cupboards and railings were falling apart. Something, anything, had to be done.
Despite the difficulties faced, the monetary contributions kept flowing in and OCP were able to surpass their initial fundraising target of RM5,000! This heartened the team and they resolved to finish what they started.
Ultimately, we agreed with the OCP team that at the very least, the ceilings, wiring and leaks had to be repaired to make it a safe and habitable home for the family. If there were additional funds, we would buy good quality paint, and bring in a group of volunteers to help make brighten up the house with a new coat of paint that would also protect against algae growth.
Credit must be given to the young team of Operasi Cili Padi, who had the integrity and resilience to see their project through even though things got discouraging. This goes to show that when a group of selfless young people give their hearts to something, not only can you be assured that it will get done, but other hearts will be swayed to help as well.
We place our hope in the youth of our nation after all.
“YOUTH In Charge” Mini Game Winners donated Cash Prizes to their selected Welfare Homes
Ms Beh Swan Swan (Magnum IT General Manager) presented iPad2 and RM1,000 to the 1st Prize Winner, Ms Dashini Subramania
Dashini donated her Cash Prize to Mr Kaniappan a/l Kannaih, the President of Persatuan Seni Pertahanan Diri Varmam Selangor
“YOUTH In Charge” Mini Game 1st Prize: iPad2 + RM1,000 Donation to Persatuan Seni Pertahanan Diri Varmam Selangor
Ms Darshini Subramaniam has all reasons to smile in the advent of the new year as she won herself a brand new iPad2 and also a cash cheque of RM1,000.00 of which she has nominated to present the money to Persatuan Seni Pertahanan Diri Varmam Selangor, an association which provides teaching on traditional martial arts and herbal medicine of which she has enrolled as a student in learning about the effects of herbal medicine.
Darshini was overjoyed when Magnum called her for the good news. She has been dreaming about owning an iPad2 and now she can celebrate and use the iPad2 to support her daily tasks as well as learning of the traditional herbal medicine. She selected this Persatuan as the beneficiary because she wishes to help improve the facilities at the learning centre so that more people will be able to benefit by joining the classes offered by the Persatuan.
Ms Beh Swan Swan (Magnum IT General Manager) presented RM750 Cash Prize to the Winner, Mr Lim Keh Leon
Mr Lim donated his Cash Prize to Mr Chai Koh Wei, the Honorary President of Siri Jayanti Welfare Organisation
“YOUTH In Charge” Mini Game 2nd Prize: RM750 Donation to Siri Jayanti Welfare Organisation
Mr Lim Keh Leong was happy to learn about his winning and decided to donate the cash prize to Siri Jayanti Welfare Organisation. He first learned about the organization during a visit to a Charity Fare on Wesak Day some years back. During the visit, he picked up some brochures and learned about various charity activities organized by Siri Jayanti and also witnessed how members of the organization extended their services to the needy groups. He is enormously impressed with the organization’s efforts in providing welfare assistance to the needy people of all races from across the country for the past 17 years since 1995.
Sharing the same noble sentiments, Mr Lim started to donate annually to Siri Jayanti in support of their charity works. He is also happy to learn that Magnum is one of the many contributors supporting the organization. Further, with the donation made today, he hopes to see more needy folks benefitted under the good works of this respectable organization.
Melanie visited Silent Teddies and presented her Cash Prize to Anthony Tee, the Team Leader of Silent Teddie
(From left) Heng Chin Khwang (Magnum), Melanie Oh (Prize Winner/Donor) Anthony Tee (Team Leader), Cindy Leong (Volunteer/Caretaker at Silent Teddies)
“YOUTH In Charge” Mini Game 3rd Prize: RM500 Donation to “Silent Teddies” (The Community Service Centre for the Deaf)
Ms Melanie Oh was totally surprised when Magnum informed her of her winning. Without much thought, she decided to donate the full cash prize to “Silent Teddies” (The Community Service Centre for the Deaf, “CSCD”), one of the community projects she supported on “YOUTH In Charge”, a Magnum eCSR Program.
In November 2011, Melanie learned about “YOUTH In Charge” Program from Ms Cindy Leong, a volunteer at the “Silent Teddies”. Over a phone call, Cindy invited Melanie to support and vote for “Silent Teddies”, a community project then shortlisted for online public voting in the “YOUTH In Charge” Program. Subsequently, Melanie not only casted her votes but also helped invite friends to support and vote for “Silent Teddies”.
Though Melanie and Cindy have not met, they both shared the same caring spirit towards the gifted boys and girls at the “Silent Teddies”. In December 2011, good news followed when Silent Teddies was announced one of the top voted community projects of the “YOUTH In Charge” Program.
On 18 January 2012, Melanie visited “Silent Teddies” and delighted to learn that the children are already baking and selling cookies as part of their fundraising activities. Next, her action plan is to invite friends to donate online to support ‘Silent Teddies”. She hopes that with the public donation and matching funding from Magnum, the children’s wish to further equip their existing baking kitchen and operate a café (* to be named as “Silent Teddies Café”) will materialize this year. Online donation towards “Silent Teddies” is available at www.ecsr.magnum.com.my
