Kuala Lumpur (Thursday)
Needy senior citizens were seen happy to receive ang pows at the official launch of this year's Sports Toto Chinese New Year Ang Pow Donation for needy senior citizens today.
Distribution of ang pows this year was carried out smoothly compared to the previous year that saw some scrambling among the folks.To prevent old folks from coming back to collect second time this year,the company used ultraviolet liquid to mark on thumbs of old folks after they have received their gifts.
Senior citizens from four old folk homes attended this morning function.About 3,000 senior citizens attended the official launch.With sound planning by the organizer,all of them had their share and none went back home empty -handed.
Deputy Finance Minister Dato' Dr Ng Yen Yen stressed that,we should be happy that we were able to stay in Malaysia because development of our country was sound and stable with no incidence of calamity such famine.
"So we should be more caring to the elders such as encouraging them to do exercise to keep fit and healthy.For instance,learning Tai Che is one of the good exercises for the,"she said.
The Deputy Finance Minister said this when she declared open Sports Toto Chinese New Year Ang Pow Donation campaign today.
She called on more entrepreneurs to care for the society by giving something back to the society.Since everyone must give something back to the society ,so we should take more care for senior citizens.
Earlier, Berjaya Toto Berhad Executive Director Dato's Robin Tan in his welcoming speech said it had become a tradition of Sports Toto Malaysia to organize a natioanwide Ang Pow Donation in conjunction with the celebration of the lunar New year.It had been 17 years now since the company started the charity drive in year 1989.
He said, the holding of the charity donation for the needy senior citizens was the company's small way of giving something back to the society.Starting from today until 4th Feb 2005,Sports Toto would give away ang pows and mini hampers to about 14,200 needy senior citizens of various races aged 60 years and above in 42 cities and towns throughout the country.
He said, "In total, the company will be spending about RM650,000 for this purpose."
On the objective of this annual charity exercise,Robin Tan said that apart from bringing festive cheer to the needy senior citizens,the company hoped that this charity drive would also encourage the general public especially the younger generation to appreciate the oriental values of respect for the elders and cherish the human values of love and compassion.
Old folk from old folk homes present at today's function were Rumah Seri Kenangan Cheras,Ampang Old folk Home,King George V Silver Jubilee and Old Persons Home Sg Way.
