HCUC staff helping to organize contents of the hamper.
HCUC student providing assistance to PCCC volunteers by pushing hampers to designated blocks.
A surprise visit by the DAP Chairman, Mr. Lim Guan Eng.
Distributing hampers of joy to the needy for the coming Chinese New Year celebration
By Megan Ong & Wong Zheng
PENANG – Following the initiative after the official signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Han Chiang University College of Communication (HCUC) and the Penang Chinese Chamber of Commerce (PCCC) on 9 January, students and staff of HCUC extended a helping hand in the packaging and distribution of welfare hampers to the needy of Penang.
The hamper preparations and distributions event took place over the span of three days. The first day which took place on Wednesday (Jan 24) saw HCUC staff going to the Tan Kok Ping Hall to help with the preparation of the welfare hampers that were to be distributed on 27 and 28 January.
According to Mr. Chiang Chee Keat, a lecturer from the School of Communication and Media, he mentioned that the hamper preparation was a very fun activity where staff from different faculties of HCUC could come together in the spirit of Chinese New Year to assist the PCCC in the packaging the hampers for those who were in need.
The hampers’ contents consisted of useful daily essentials, canned foods, rice, cooking oil, mushrooms, vermicelli, Chinese sausages and other essential items.
Hamper distributions began on Saturday (Jan 27) at the Rifle Range located in Air Itam, Penang. Students and staff of HCUC, PCCC members and volunteers from other organizations gathered at the Rifle Range parking lot to check in with their respective group leaders ensure that the event went smoothly. Each group was designated with specific blocks and units that they would need to deliver the hampers to.
The families that received the hampers expressed their heartfelt gratitude towards the help that was given to them by the PCCC.
“The reason for delivering hampers at this time of year is because we wish to deliver our warm regards to the Chinese community during this festive holiday,” stated Chris Tan Chee Kean, the PCCC Deputy Chairman.
He added that it was the 12th year that they have been distributing hampers in this area. He hopes that the recipients of the hampers will always be reminded that they are not alone and that they feel content by the help they received.
The second day of the hamper distribution was held at Wisma Tah Wah Butterworth (Jan 28), DAP Chairman, Mr. Lim Guan Eng made a surprise appearance during the hamper distribution. Thanking the people of the PCCC for their efforts in helping those whose families were in need.
The former Penang Chief Minister mentioned that the event was a demonstration of the equal love and respect for those who have benefited from the efforts of the PCCC, and that their painstaking efforts of providing to the needy is greatly appreciated.
Through the collective efforts of HCUC and the PCCC, they deliver much-needed assistance to struggling families and also ignited a beacon of hope and compassion in the Chinese community of Penang.