Centre finally has van to call its own

Star Foundation donates RM50,000 to help buy vehicle to transport those with special needs

PETALING JAYA: After 13 years of serving the community in Raub, a training centre for people with disabilities finally has a vehicle to call its own.

Star Foundation has donated RM50,000 for the purchase of the 12-seater van.

“It will be easier for us to take our kids on outings.

“We are very grateful,” said Raub Caring Service Centre chairman Liew Poh Fa.

Since its inception in 2004, the centre always had to rely on vehicles owned by its teachers and committee members to ferry students around.

Liew, who was present at Menara Star to receive the van yesterday, said the centre has 35 students aged between six and 40.

They attend classes on cooking, baking and sewing.

“Many of the parents with special needs children here are worried about their future.

“They tell me ‘ we are growing old, what will happen to our kids?’

“Our centre aims to give them confidence by imparting useful skills, so that they can be independ- ent and maybe, start their own business,” he said.

Deputy Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun, who was present to witness the hand- ing-over ceremony, said the community had a dedicated centre which not only served people with disabilities, but also sent food and donations to the needy.

“The van is important. Star Foundation has given them strong support that will encourage them to strive even more to serve the needy,” Chew said.

Star Media Group Bhd and Star Foundation chairman Datuk Fu Ah Kiow said the sponsorship was part of Star Foundation’s efforts to provide financial aid to social organisations to assist in their operating expenses, upgrading of facilities and the running of existing programmes.

Star Foundation, the charitable arm of Star Media Group, has been implementing a fair bit of corporate social responsibility programmes, Fu said.

“One of the goals is to contribute to various NGOs who are involved in helping the poor and needy,” he said.

Raub Caring Service Centre, which has six teachers, is partially funded by the Government, but its committee has to seek sponsorship to make up for the shortfall in operating costs.

It needs at least RM3,000 a month to operate.

It will be easier for us to take our kids on outings. We are very grateful. Liew Poh Fa