ABOUT TOWN: Jog for Hope

2009/08/21

TOUCHED by the plight of those at the Spastic Children’s Association of Selangor and Federal Territory (SCASFT) during a recent visit to the home, members of the Tree Huggers Club of Taylor’s University College decided to organise a fund-raising Jog for Hope event in its aid.

After months of planning and hard work, the efforts of the enterprising students paid off when RM10,000 was raised from the jogathon which took place on a Sunday morning.

The fund was donated to the home for repairs and restoration of the building as well as ongoing expenses. SCASFT president Datuk Dr Lam Peng Chong expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the students on receiving the donation. “These students inspire us all and plant a seed of hope that we are able to do our part in making the world a better place,” he says.

Earlier that morning, some 550 runners were flagged off at Taylor’s College Sri Hartamas campus by Deputy Higher Education Minister Dr Hou Kok Chung, who lauded the efforts of the students and participants for lending their energy to a selfless cause. He also emphasised the importance of instilling civic-consciousness and volunteerism in children.

“Educational institutions should provide opportunities and platforms for students to volunteer their time, energy and ideas towards community-related projects and causes.

“I believe this awareness must be sparked off from a young age — from the moment pupils step into primary schools, as this is one of the critical areas in developing well-rounded individuals.” He adds that the future is in the hands of responsible and civic-conscious citizens, “who are not only focused on their own success, but are also dedicated to giving back to the community”.

“This event is testimony to the holistic education approach adopted by Taylor’s University College,” he says.

The charity run was the first event of its kind organised by the club, whose members are pre-university students from Taylor’s College Sri Hartamas. Tree Huggers Club president Chua Kee Aik expressed his desire to see the club grow and “branch out” to the Taylor’s campuses. “Then, we will not only be able to help the environment and the underprivileged, but also inculcate leadership qualities and a sense of community service and civic-consciousness in students,” he says.

Taylor’s College president Lim Tou Boon praised the students’ efforts.

“It is heartwarming to see students being so aware of their roles and responsibilities in society. “To demonstrate an overwhelming level of selflessness and a desire to give back to the community is more than commendable.”

Hou Kok Chung (far right, with gun) flags off the runners

Runners warm up before the race

Hou Kok Chung (left) and Chua Kee Aik taking part in the VIP 1km jog