NGO hopes to recruit more youths to help with cancer programmes

MELAKA: National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM) is looking to young people as a valuable resource as it continues its mission to help cancer survivors.

The non-governmental organisation wants to mould thousands of young ones as volunteers for its social endeavours.

Its managing director Dr M. Muralitharan said NCSM hoped to cultivate youth to take on positive roles and be actively involved in the community under newly-improved programmes that have been tailored for them.

“For a start, we will redesign our programmes at the Relay for Life (RFL) that will be held in Kuala Lumpur, Penang and here simultaneously on Dec 4 to attract youth.

“This will be our 14th edition of RFL and some 50,000 have participated in the event since it made its debut in 2007,” he added.

Dr Muralitharan said NCSM had incorporated many activities in this year’s RFL – such as entertainment, games, food and others – to attract more youth to participate and hopefully even sign up as volunteers.

“We expect 10,000 people at the three venues, which will also be graced by dignitaries of the respective states.

“RFL is an event to honour and also symbolise the journey of victims going through and fighting cancer,” he added.

Dr Muralitharan said a traditional luminaria ceremony would also take place at dusk to remember those who have succumbed to cancer, while candles would be lit and placed around the RFL track as a tribute to survivors.

He said RFL would also provide participants with insights into cancer and boost survivors’ determination, faith and support, adding that NSCM also aims to inculcate good values among youth.

Those who are interested to register can call 06-292 1231 for more details.