LETTERS: Charitable organisations that depend on public support are facing a drop in donations. Many may have to shut down should support continue to decline.
Students at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia. (HWUM) initiated a crowdfunding project called EMPOWER Crowdfunding Project 2022 and raised RM67,289 for 10 charities.
This took place between February and mid-2022 on Simplygiving.com.
Students conducted many activities to attract donors from around the world.
One was a drawing contest with the theme "The Underwater World", held on April 28.
This was to raise funds for Lang Tengah Turtle Watch, a non-governmental organisation (NGO) involved in saving sea turtles from extinction.
Participants paid RM10 to join the contest. The funds were used to buy prizes for winners and the balance was donated to the NGO.
The organisation received fascinating drawings of underwater sea creatures and turtles.
This event also promoted awareness among the participants to be environmentally conscious, keep rivers clean and protect turtles.
With this contest and other activities, RM9,970 was raised for Lang Tengah Turtle Watch, which is located on Lang Tengah Beach, Terengganu.
The NGO used the funds to pay for operational costs, build more turtle nests, and buy more turtle eggs to be incubated and released into the ocean.
These efforts will increase the turtle population in Malaysia.
In addition, students set up a collaboration and partnership with a cosmetic company to raise funds for Ti-Ratana Welfare Society Malaysia.
Product stocks — such as skincare, soaps, perfumes and candles — were obtained at cost price, and profits from the sales of these products were channelled to the NGO.
Through marketing on Facebook and Instagram, students managed online purchases and arranged delivery to customers within two working days.
This partnership with other activities raised RM9,322 for an orphanage under Ti-Ratana.
The orphanage used the funds to buy meals, books and uniforms; and also pay for school transportation and medical check-ups.
Walk for Fugee Walkathon was a collaboration between students from Heriot-Watt University campuses in the United Kingdom and Dubai to raise funds for Fugee School and to raise awareness about the challenges faced by refugees seeking asylum.
It was a virtual walkathon using Strava to track participants' walking activities.
It ran from Feb 21 to l April 1. HWUM student Ignatius Bong won first prize and donated his cash prize to the school.
Together with other activities, RM11,756 was raised for the school, which helps refugee children get an education.
The school used the funds to meet operational costs and pay for children's meals and textbooks.
HWUM students raised RM67,289 through crowdfunding projects this year.
This was a threefold increase over last year's efforts.
Through these activities, students had opportunities to learn beyond the classroom, to think critically, to handle complexity and to communicate effectively.
Former South African president Nelson Mandela said: "We can change the world and make it a better place. It is in your hands to make a difference."
Let us embrace this message. Tutor a child. Feed the hungry. Volunteer your time at a hospital or community centre.
Make the world a better place. One kind act can change someone's life.
So to all caring Malaysians, it is in your hands to make a difference by giving your support to charitable organisations. Your contribution means a lot to them.
DR LEE J. PETER
Assistant professor, Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times