By Karen Bong
KUCHING, May 17: Sarawak Society for the Deaf is calling on vendors to participate in its Charity Food Fair 2019 on July 28 at the Association of Churches in Sarawak.
Its chairwoman, Wenderine Koo, said the aim for this year’s event is to raise RM100,000 to sustain this non-profit organisation, which is dedicated to supporting people with hearing loss.
“We require almost RM100,000 to cover the expenses of running this organisation, including salary for the workers and maintenance,” she shared at a press conference at the Society’s headquarters in Jalan Laksamana Cheng Ho, here.
Batu Lintang assemblyman See Chee How and Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) Sarawak members were present to extend their support for the Society and the upcoming food fair.
“We are still looking for a variety of vendors to fill up the 100 stalls. Only 20 stalls have been occupied as of now. So, we sincerely hope for more people to come forward and help us,” she said.
She lamented that sale of the food fair tickets at RM100 per booklet had been slow, so far.
Koo revealed that there were many plans to help the deaf community but the implementation would depend on the availability of funds.
“We are looking into setting up a nursery for young children with hearing loss so that they can get help from early intervention and develop language skills to help them communicate and actively learn,” she elaborated.
There are also plans to produce sign language book, create more entrepreneurship opportunities for deaf people to generate income such as setting up little cafes, and also conduct motivational workshops to enhance the mental well being and resilience of deaf people.
Meanwhile, in appealing for public support whether as vendors, visitors or volunteers, See pointed out that the Society was the bridge between normal people and the deaf.
“We can never praise them (members of the Society) enough for the noble work they do that helps the hearing-impaired fit better into society,” he said.
“But people often don’t see the good things that they had done. There is a lack of awareness about the selfless people behind who are contributing, helping and supporting the deaf community.”
Hence, See stressed that the food fair would also provide a good opportunity and avenue to raise greater awareness about the Society, its functions as well as the various programmes and activities run by deaf people, in particular.
“The Society, like many non-profit and charitable organisations, is running on a limited budget. But we know Kuching and Sarawak people are an enthusiastic and generous lot as we have seen how people have reached out to those in need,” he added.
See later donated RM3,000 in support of the food fair. The donation was received by food fair organising chairperson Ernest Ting.
For more information about the food fair, ticket purchase or vendor applications, contact Jac at 012-2881930 or Lai at 016-8662875. — DayakDaily
