Important need: Fu (back row, sixth from right) and Kan (back row, second from right) with individuals who received wheelchairs and representatives of non-governmental organisations at the mock cheque presentation ceremony at Menara Star.
PETALING JAYA: With a new and lighter wheelchair, R. Murugan can move around his workplace with ease.
It will also be easier for the 45-year-old to transport the wheelchair on his motorcycle compared to his existing clunky unit.
“I am so happy with this gift.
“Before this, it was hard to transport my wheelchair, but this one is smaller and lighter,” he said, adding that he was wheelchair-bound from a young age because of complications from polio.
Murugan, who works in a grocery shop in Rawang, was one of seven individuals gifted with wheelchairs from Star Foundation, the charitable arm of Star Media Group Bhd, at a ceremony at Menara Star yesterday.
Another recipient, Martinah Abdul, 55, said she was grateful for the new wheelchair as it would help her with her work as an instant coffee distributor.
“It makes my movement easier,” said the single mother of two, who became gradually reliant on a wheelchair due to an injury from her childhood days.
Independent Living and Training Centre Malaysia and Malaysian Spinal Injuries Association also received five wheelchairs each.
Star Foundation also donated a total of RM215,090 to 10 non-governmental organisations (NGOs), namely Tasputra Perkim, Praise Emmanuel Children’s Home, Persatuan Kebajikan Anak-Anak Istimewa Selangor, Pertubuhan Kebajikan Rakyat Prihatin Malaysia, Ephratha Home, Independent Living and Training Centre, Good Samaritan Home, Rita Handicapped and Disabled Welfare Home, Pertubuhan Kebajikan Kanak-Kanak Yatim dan Miskin Wawasan, and Vinashini Home.
Vinashini Home president Angela Devi said the home, which looks after mentally and physically challenged individuals, was grateful for the donation. Angela said the home faced challenges in raising funds as there was less awareness on mental health.
“But nowadays the Government, corporations and public are more ready to help,” she said.
Star Media Group and Star Foundation chairman Datuk Fu Ah Kiow was at the ceremony to present the mock cheques to the NGO representatives.
Fu said it was crucial for Star Media Group to give back to the less privileged.
“All these years, we have always maintained the position that we are the people’s paper. We carry the news of the people, we go into society and we highlight some of the difficulties faced by the people.
“Our growth is also attributable to the support of Malaysians of all races, so it is our responsibility to give back to society,” he said.
Also present was Star Media Group chief operating officer Calvin Kan.
