Timely boost for charity home
Foundation donates wheelchairs to help disabled children
JOHOR BARU: An organisation that is helping disabled children uplift their lives received a boost when Star Foundation donated five wheelchairs to its home in Taman Johor Jaya here.
Johor Disabled Children Charitable and Cares Organisation founder and president Yahya Haidrus, who is also wheelchair-bound, said the contribution would come in handy for them.
“The facility houses 11 residents aged seven to 17, seven of whom are living full-time there,” Yahya said.
Yahya, who has polio and began using the wheelchair three years ago after a fall, said the organisation began its operations last September.
The children, he said, were autistic, had Down syndrome, cerebral palsy or were physically or mentally challenged.
“Our hope is to help these children lead as normal a life as possible.
“We’d like to thank Star Foundation for its generosity as these wheelchairs will help the children move around better,” he said, adding that the kids were looked after by three caretakers.
Yahya said they hoped to expand the facilities at the centre so that it could cater for about 25 children.
“We plan to set up a physiotherapy and multi-sensory room.
“We also hope to get volunteers and members of the public such as retired nurses and teachers to help out,” he added.
Star Media Group non-executive director Wong You Fong, who is also Wanita MCA vice- chair- man, said the donation was part of the foundation’s efforts to give back to society, especially to those in need.
Wong, who toured the home and mingled with some of the residents, commended the organisation for its work.
“Nursing the disabled is no easy task,” she said.
“The most challenging duty is to take care of the residents who have various disabilities at night,” she said.
Wong witnessed the handing over of the wheelchairs to the organisation by The Star Johor bureau chief Nelson Benjamin.
Those interested in donating to the organisation can contact it via its website www.specialchildrenhome.org.my or call 07-351 8055.