GEORGE TOWN: About 480 residents of 16 charitable institutions were feted at the Penang Wesak charity dinner on Friday.

The annual event, at the Malaysian Buddhist Association in Jalan Burma, was organised in conjunction with Wesak Day celebrations on May 19.

The event saw the residents being treated to an eight-course vegetarian dinner and mini hampers, with entertainment by a group of dancers.

Lim Char Boh, 66, from The Penang Home For The Infirm And Aged, told the New Sunday Times that she was happy to have received the gifts.

"I am happy because although we are among the less fortunate, we are not forgotten by the society.
Organising chairman Lim Kim Chuan said the committee believed that the only way to achieve harmony and peace in the world was through compassion.

"We hold the annual charity dinner as part of our duty to create a loving and harmonious society, irrespective of social group, race or creed.

"In conjunction with Wesak Day, we urge everyone to actively promote good values," he said.