RedCrescentPenang.org.my

The Malaysian Red Crescent (MRC) Penang branch is calling for the state government, corporations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and individuals to support its humanitarian projects by purchasing bottled water from the society.

MRC Penang branch chairman Datuk B.J. Yeang said the sale of bottled water was a new project for the society.

“Here’s to Health (H2H) was introduced on May 16 and Holiday Inn Resort is the first corporate entity to support us by purchasing 100 cases of the bottled water bearing our logo.

“Previously, we only collected donations through annual dinners, Flag Day and walkathons so hopefully, people will help make our new fundraising project a success,” she said, adding that the society hoped to raise RM50,000 through this project.

Yeang was speaking to reporters at a press conference to launch the project at Holiday Inn Resort recently.

Project chairman Dr S. Somaskandar said besides raising funds for the society’s activities and training for this year, H2H also aimed to promote the health benefits of drinking plain water instead of other beverages that contain sugar, caffeine and chemicals.

Also present was Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng’s political secretary Ng Wei Aik.

In his speech, Ng praised the society for its good work in helping the community.

“The state is very appreciative of MRC’s assistance whether it is at public events or disaster situations because the society’s volunteers help without expecting any kind of reward.

“I hope everyone will help support the H2H project because the MRC needs funds to train its members in disaster relief work, first aid and organisational skills as well as to purchase the necessary medical supplies and ambulances,” he said, adding that he would propose to the state to get its bottled water supply from the MRC.

For details on the project, please call 04-8275678.

THE next time someone wants to propose a toast to your health, the Malaysian Red Crescent (MRC) Penang Branch proposes that they pick up one of its bottles of drinking water for the task.

The branch recently launched its Here’s to Health (H2H) fundraising project promoting the goodness of water to create greater awareness for a better and healthier lifestyle.

Branch chairman Datuk B.J. Yeang said the society would be selling its bottled drinking water to everyone, from large corporations to the local community and households, to raise RM50,000 in support of its humanitarian work.

“When we are too busy with work or any other chores, we tend to forget how important water is to our body.

“The human body is about 60% water for men and 55% for women,” she said, adding that being 2% dehydrated could seriously degrade one’s physical and mental functions.

The prices are RM1 per 500ml bottle and RM2 per 1,500ml bottle.

The bottled water will also be sold in cartons of 24 bottles of 500ml or 12 bottles of 1,500ml, where each carton is priced at RM10 or RM9 each for orders above 20 cartons.

Yeang said the orders could be collected from the headquarters at 26, Grove Road, Air Itam, Penang.

For details, please call the office secretariat at 04-8275678 or email to admin@redcrescentpenang.org.my to place orders.

MALAYSIAN Red Crescent Society (MRCS) Penang branch’s membership drive over the years to attract adult volunteers has not been encouraging.  Chairman Saw Ewe Yong said the response had been poor.

“This is sad because the public does not realise the benefits of becoming a member or a volunteer.

“They will be able to learn something good for themselves.

“At the same time, they will also be able to help others,” he told a press conference on Monday in Penang to announce the society’s annual walkathon to be held on June 26.

Saw said the society hoped to see its membership grow to 120,000.

The 3km walkathon will be held at the Esplanade grounds beginning 8.30am.

It will be flagged off by state executive councillor Datuk Koay Kar Huah.

Donors who had given RM300 and above will take part in a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Saw said the event was to raise funds for the society’s annual activities costing more than RM400,000.

“Most of our activities are concentrated on training staff for public duties and maintenance of our ambu-lance and disaster teams and our vehicles,” he said.

He added some 500 participants, mainly youth members, would be taking part in the event.

“The public can also join in the walk by coming to the Esplanade before 8am on that day and donating RM10 to enable them to take part in a lucky draw,” he said.