KUALA LUMPUR: The local branches of an international community service organisation are counting on generating more public awareness of their role in society and membership growth through an Open Day at Viva Home Shopping Mall in Cheras here on Sunday.
Through this inaugural event, which is to be held at the mall’s Exhibition Hall 1 on Level 2 from 10am to 6pm, the Lions Clubs International (District 308 B1, Malaysia) aspire to achieve these two goals, with the first to promote the Lions’ social outreach programmes which have empowered volunteers to serve their communities and meet humanitarian needs at home and abroad.
The second is to engage members of the public to participate in the Lions’ activities.
At a press conference, District 308 B1 Governor Lim Hoe Guan urged the public to embrace the Lions’ spirit of “We Serve” and help the organisation bring these initiatives to their respective communities.
A key activity to be launched at the Lions Open Day, with the theme of “Strengthening the Pride Through Service”, is the promotion of debt management issues among youngsters in collaboration with the Credit Counseling and Debt Management Agency (AKPK).
AKPK, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bank Negara Malaysia, was set up to provide an avenue for individual borrowers to seek advice and assistance in managing their finances and debts. Individual borrowers can seek AKPK’s assistance in rescheduling or restructuring their housing loans, hire purchase loans and personal loans, and outstanding credit card balances.
The Lions Open Day also focuses on the needs of the intellectually disabled (ID) community in the country, whose members discover new strengths, abilities and skills through the Special Olympics.
Lim said the Special Olympics changes lives through the power of sport by encouraging and empowering people.
“This is where the Lions together with Special Olympics Asia Pacific are embarking on several programmes to create awareness and to have this community of ID individuals blend well with society.”
The Lions Open Day will feature booths to showcase, promote and educate the public on the key projects and services rendered by the Lions and their partners, such as the Global Road Safety Partnership Foundation, St John Ambulance, SOAP (Special Olympics Asia Pacific), police and Fire and Rescue Department.
Special informative talks would be conducted throughout the day which will feature presentations from Lions and their partners on glaucoma, cataract & vision impairment, financial management & counselling, crime prevention & road safety as well as the Lions Education Assistance for the needy.
Public health activities such as blood donations; organ pledges; eye and glaucoma screenings and St John Ambulance First Aid & CPR demonstration will also be held.
A Food Fair will also be set up, with lucky draws, contests, games and telematches for visitors.
For details, call Michelle Mok at 019-212 2277 or email isalingmok@yahoo.com or M. Prakash Dass at 019-226 1106 or email mprakashdass@yahoo.com). By Ricky Yap