Save St Teresa’s School Run raises RM65,000

KUCHING: The Save St Teresa’s School Run held at the old State Legislative Assembly ( DUN) complex yesterday surpassed its fundraising target of RM50,000 with more than RM65,000 raised.

The amount was raised through the collection of participation fees, pre-run activities, corporate and individual contributions, and promotional booths.

According to Welfare, Women and Community Wellbeing Minister Datuk Fatimah Abdullah who represented the Chief Minister’s wife, Datin Patinggi Datuk Amar Jamilah Anu to officiate at the event, the outcome of the run was indeed inspiring as people from all walks of life came to the event.

“I can see more than 3,000 participants at today’s event, regardless of race and religion with a good purpose in mind—to help St Teresa rebuild after the tragedy last year,” Fatimah said,

I can see more than 3,000 participants at today’s event, regardless of race and religion with a good purpose in mind—to help St Teresa rebuild after the tragedy last year.

referring to the Oct 29 fire which destroyed the school’s hall.

She pointed out that those who came for the run were not only students and former students, but also members of the public who supported the cause, which she described as heartwarming.

“These are the kind of values that we want to see from Malaysians and what we can see today is the best example,” she said.

Meanwhile, St Teresa’s Secondary School principal Mary John when met by The Borneo Post at the event said the school board will meet this Tuesday to discuss on the rebuilding project timeline.

“Not much can be revealed as we need to look at various things before construction can take place. For the first phase, we need at least RM3 million, and overall, the project is estimated to cost RM8.2 million.”

Mary expressed hope that construction could kick off by August. She also highlighted thata number of fundraising activities have beenplanned for the first half of this year.

“We are having a charity fundraising dinner this coming Jan 21, a concert in February, Aerodance in March and other programmes that we hope can raise more to rebuild and help the school,” she added.

Yesterday’s run was divided into 8km and 3km categories.

Also present was Early Childhood Education and Family Development Assistant Minister Sharifah Hasidah Sayeed Aman Ghazali.

Datuk Fatimah Abdullah, Welfare, Women and Community Wellbeing Minister

Various guests-of-honour holding mock cheques which were presented to Mary (second right). Fatimah is at third right.

Fatimah (fourth right)using an air horn to signal the start of the 3km run.

The runners in the 8km category waiting for the signal to start. — Photos by RaisSanusi