Continue to help those in need, YMCA members told
SIBU: The Young Men’s Christian Association ( YMCA) continues its mission of providing support to those in need and also paying recognition to the great work by those who are doing this.
In this respect, YMCA Sibu president Temenggong Datuk Vincent Lau is positive that through unity, YMCA members would have the strength and resources to face unprecedented challenges and volatility going forward, as well as to continue building on their accomplishments and consolidating the movement’s position.
“Christmas is celebrated all over the world as a holiday by both Christians and non- Christians alike. The ritual and tradition of celebrating it differs from one country to another; however, almost all of them include things like feasts, gifts, cards, churches, Christmas carols and Santa Claus,” he spoke during the ‘Joyful Blessed Christmas’ programme hosted by YMCA Sibu at the civic centre here yesterday – where YMCA Sibu vice-president Robert Lau Hui Yew, event organising chairperson Teresa Lau, YMCA Sibu patron Dato Lau Ngie Hua, and Kapitan Datuk Janet Lau were also present.
The event also gathered 370 children, including those of YMCA Sibu members, who took part in the children’s colouring contest which was a part of the activities listed on the programme.
Adding on, Temenggong Lau said in a culturally- diverse country like Malaysia, Christmas symbolises unity as everybody – regardless of racial and religious background – could celebrate it together.
“Having said all this on Christmas, there is one more thing I would like to mention here – donate or volunteer; that is correct, you heard me right.
“The holiday is a great time to show your concern and compassion towards others through donation or volunteering. Christmas is a reason to be happy and spread happiness. Brighten your own homes as well as the homes of others,” he advised.
On the Christmas gathering, Temenggong Lau said it was the fi rst for YMCA Sibu.
“Before this, we had been running ‘Christmas Carolling by Candle Light’ since 1975.
“The main reason that we, at YMCA, persist in organising Christmas gatherings all these years, is that we see the need for such gathering to promote the Christmas spirit and also to encourage fellowship among Christians from various denominations in Sibu,” he said.
Temenggong Lau also expressed his hope that an event like this would enhance peace and harmony among the people in Sibu.
Adding on, he also welcomed everyone to join YMCA Sibu and work together towards realising the objectives outlined by the international YMCA.
“We are finishing the year cautiously optimistic; we are happy that over the past 11 months, we have forged many more links in the community, as well as within the YMCA,” he added.