GEORGE TOWN: IT was a fun-filled morning for about 40 boys and girls from two orphanages here as they took part in games initiated by Golden Sands Resort’s Muslim Staff Welfare Society recently.
The event was held at Persatuan Kanak Kanak Anak Yatim Islam Pulau Pinang (Pkayipp) in Jalan Air Itam.
The boys were from Pkayipp while the girls were from the orphanages’ girls’ hostel in Jalan Scotland.
The annual event, an effort by the resort as part of its corporate social responsibility programme for the two orphanages for the past 10 years, kicked off with a session of calisthenics conducted by the resort’s staff.
It was followed by a series of activities which included a telethon of sorts pitting four groups of boys and girls in games such as carrying an egg in a spoon, throwing a water-laden balloon at a distance and holding a balloon between two heads relay race.
The resort’s caring society secretary Ahmad Azahari Hamzah said it was the first time the event was held at the orphanage.
“In the past, we would hold it at the resort. We hope to bring some cheer to the children, especially during the school holidays.”
He said prizes for winners and cakes for children celebrating their birthdays this month were sponsored by Rasa Sayang Spa and Resort communications director Suleiman Tunku Abdul Rahman.
The children had a hearty lunch before they gathered at the hall for the presentation of prizes.
Top students among the orphans also received special prizes from their hosts.
Pkayipp president Tan Sri Mohd Yussof Latiff said the orphanage was grateful to the resort.
“The children are mostly from single-parent families and they are taught that good values and education is of paramount concern and a primary objective of Pkayipp.
“Many of the former residents have gone on to become successful professionals and they have returned and given back to the orphanage,” he said.
Former Federal Court judge Tan Sri Mohd Haidar Mohd Noor handed a donation to Yussof, who received it on behalf of Pkayipp.