KUCHING, June 25: Sarawak Children’s Cancer Society (SCCS) is extending the registration for GoBald Campaign 2022 to July 17 to raise more funds that are vital to provide essential services to children with cancer and keeping their families together.
As of today, the GoBald 2022 has raised about RM330,000 in funds from 1,500 donors and about 132 registered participants have committed to shave their heads.
Out of the total donation received so far, about one-third was raised by former president for Northern Sarawak Journalist Association (NSJA) Thng Joo Hua from Miri, who was diagnosed with stage four cancer earlier this year.
Thng has successfully raised about RM121,700 to help kids fight cancer, exceeding his target of RM100,000.
A small ceremony was held today at Paul & Jennifer Hair & Beauty Salon in Miri for Thng to handover the funds raised to SCCS.
Representing the Society at the handover was its immediate former president Jocelyn Hee and witnessed by Deputy Tourism Minister and Piasau assemblyman Datuk Sebastian Ting.
Commenting on the handover, SCCS president Rodney Wong said, “We are so appreciative of the efforts our participants put into raising these funds. Joo Hua is one of the many good examples who stand up for kids with cancer. This is a testament to the kids that they are not alone in this journey and many are fighting alongside them. We hope that this will inspire more to come forth and support.”
He emphasised that every year, SCCS is providing care and relief to more than 200 families of children with cancer from the funding received.
“In Sarawak alone, an average of 60 to 70 children are diagnosed with cancer each year. This is in addition to children who are receiving ongoing treatments as well as relapse cases,” he highlighted in a press release today.
The Society targets to raise a total of RM1 million this year. The funds raised will support SCCS annual operating expenses of about RM1.5 million to ensure children continue to have access to the treatment and services they need.
This year’s campaign is carried out in a hybrid format, with most sign-ups supporting remotely and safely from their homes.
The Society also recently organised a satellite shave at Fatt Lung Tang Association Kuching, one of its first physical shaving events since the Covid-19 pandemic following the relaxation of restrictions.
A satellite shave is also happening tomorrow (June 26) at Farley Mall Kuching.
Wong also shared that the last two GoBald campaigns which were carried out virtually were a great success with a total of over 200 participants in Malaysia went bald for both years.
“Holding it virtually or in a hybrid setting means we are no longer restricted by geographical boundaries and supporters outside Sarawak can join and contribute to the cause.
“The donation raised this year is slower although the campaign records a comparable number of participants in relation to the previous years,” he added.
As such, SCCS calls for further support from the public, charitable groups and corporations to help kids fight cancer.
There is a minimum of RM300 for each participant to raise, which will contribute to providing lab tests, blood filters, care packs for new patients, transportation for treatment, accommodation and meals among others.
Members of the public who are interested can sign up at www.gobald.my. — DayakDaily
