Kuching Run for Autism raises RM105,500
KUCHING: The Kuching Run for Autism 2017 raised RM105,500 for Kuching Autistic Association ( KAA) yesterday.
This was the second run organised by the non-profit charitable organisation held on World Autism Day to create acceptance of autistic children and adults by parents, relatives, friends and society.
The runners were flagged off at 6.30am by Kuching City South Mayor Dato James Chan, KAA president Dr Yao Sik Chi, event vice-president organising chairperson Cynthia Jee and Lee Chin Teck representing the main sponsor Tecktonic and Sons Sdn Bhd.
The non- competitive friendly run drew 2,087 participants from all walks of life under two categories — 3km and 7km — which started and finished in the compound of MBKS.
The event ended with lucky draws, offering two air ticket vouchers worth RM500 each, hotel and resort complimentary stay vouchers and meal vouchers from Hilton Kuching, Riverside Majestic Hotel, Grand Margherita Hotel, Permai Rainforest Resort, Union YES Retreat & Training Centre and H& L Supermarket.
Other sponsors for this year’s event are Gala City, Tecktonic & Sons Holdings Sdn Bhd, Lee Onn Construction Sdn Bhd, Cahya Mata Sarawak Bhd, Sarawak Construction Bureau, Sarawak Timber Industry Development Corporation ( STIDC), Quality Concrete Bhd, Syarikat Pembinaan Mantap, I-Metal, Sarawak Energy Bhd and Trienekens ( Sarawak) Sdn Bhd.
KAA thanked the sponsors and participants for their support.
The amount raised was needed to sustain KAA’s educational programme for children aged four to 17 years. Funds are also needed for the young adults’ vocational training, living skills training, and income-generating projects for autistic young adults to take small steps towards greater independence.
Dr Yao said the main objective is to create awareness of autism which is a learning disability.
With early intervention, proper nurturing and training provided by parents in cooperation with teachers, these children have good prospects of living independent lives.
Mayor Chan encouraged more such events to be organised for parents with autistic children to learn how to cope.
“Such families may suffer a bit of stress but now that Kuching city has an autism centre, please send them there for proper care.”
Last year, KAA raised RM71,580 from the run — the proceeds of which went to education programmes run by the association.