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by Sim Bak Heng
From NST JohorBuzz
IT was a delightful start to the Spring Festival for 37 residents of two old folks' homes. They were presented with ang pow and goodie bags by Nestle Products Sdn Bhd to celebrate Chinese New Year. They were residents of Pandan Old Folks Home in Johor Baru and the Bukit Siput Old Folks Home in Segamat.
The charity event to present cash and essential items to the elderly was part of Nestle's philosophy to be a caring corporate citizen that gives back to society, particularly to those in need. Leading the team was Nestle's southern region manager Michael Ang. At Pandan Old Folks Home, the company presented the gifts to 20 inmates of different backgrounds. The company also presented groceries and toiletries to the home. For refreshments, residents were served fried bee hoon, curry chicken, sandwiches and a wide variety of cakes and kuih.
Ang said Nestle was proud to be able to contribute in its little way and bring cheer to the old folk. "As a listed company, we believe we have a role to play as a responsible corporate citizen. "Our contribution to the two homes is just a small effort towards building a caring society. "We hope this small gesture will be emulated by others to bring cheer to the less fortunate this Lunar New Year," he said.
Representing the home to receive the contributions were its chairman Alfred Chen. Chen said he was thankful for the contributions which helped to relieve the financial burden of the home in preparing for the Lunar New Year celebration. "The home depends entirely on donations and sponsorhips. We welcome every little gesture that would help to offset our financial burden," he said.
Some of the residents were too shy to come out to join in the celebration while others could not control their emotion when presented with the ang pow and goodie bags. The "God of Prosperity" was present to add to the festive mood. He handed out more ang pow packed with chocolates in the shape of gold coins, a symbol of blessing and abundance. At Bukit Siput Old Folks Home, Nestle brought early festive joy to 17 elderly folk. They, too, received ang pow and goodie bags while the home was given groceries and toiletries.
The chairman of the home, which is also fully dependent on donations and sponsorships, is Doreen Bong. Bong said she was happy when she found out that the home had been selected by Nestle to be the recipient of its generosity. "It is always at this time of the year that the home's expenses skyrocket. The old folk also deserve a celebration. "Nestle's contribution will help to alleviate our financial burden. We encourage those who would like to contribute on a regular basis to contact us anytime," she said.
To bring joy to the lives of the residents, call Pandan Old Folks Home at 07-355 6313 and Bukit Siput Old Folks Home at 012-777 2664.
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