RM230,000 raised for autistic association

KUCHING: The Kuching Autistic Association’s ( KAA) annual charity sale and food fair packed the Christian Ecumenical Worship Centre here and raised about RM230,000 yesterday.

An overwhelming response saw members of the public pack the centre to visit some 93 stalls offering an array of food, handwoven baskets and handicrafts, among others.

Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian, who was the guest- of-honour, presented appreciation certificates to stall operators together with KAA chairman Dr Yao Sik Chi and organising chairperson Connie Yeo.

The association has been holding its charity sale and food fair since 2003.

It extended its appreciation to all who operated stalls as well as those who had donated items to the charity event.

KAA was set up by a group of parents of autistic children and professionals on Jan 18, 1988. It was registered as a non-governmental organisation on May 6 the same year.

It runs an Educational and Prevocational Training Centre at its own premises at Lorong 15, Jalan Desa Wira in Batu Kawa here.

At present, the centre is helping train 90 autistic individuals, aged between three and 35, to enable them to achieve their full potential in living useful, independent and economically productive lives.

Dr Sim (third left) hands over a certificate of appreciation to a stall operator. Also seen are Dr Yao (third right) and Yeo (left).

Dr Sim (third left) presents a certificate of appreciation to a stall operator. Also seen are Dr Yao (third right) and Yeo (second right).

Members of the public pack the centre to visit the stalls.