SIBU, July 17: In a brief period of four days, former students of Sacred Heart School known as “Knights” raised a whopping RM88,000 to aid underprivileged students in their alma mater.
The fund raising project called “White Knights Quest” was initiated by Anthony Chan from the Class of 1993 with his year mate Lau Tiew Kiong.
Speaking at the mock cheque handing over today, Chan said he was very apprehensive initially when he decided to push for the fund raising. As times were hard he was not confident they could reach the initial target of RM6,100 to help the hardcore poor in the school.
“But my team mates in Sacred Heart School Old Students Association (SHOSA) told me to go forward with courage and set a minimum target of RM12,200, assuring me that the SH Knights will rally to the cause,” he said.
True to their outstanding reputation, former students rose to the occasion gallantly. Donations began the moment the quest was launched on Monday afternoon, with Dr Gregory Hii, from Class of 1966, and former president of SHOSA the first to give. Others were quick to follow and by nightfall, the Knights had hit the targeted amount already.
The momentum grew even stronger and when the donation drive ended at 12 noon on Friday, Senator Robert Lau, who is also former SHOSA president, again stepped forward to round the figure up to RM88,000.
A visibly moved Chan, expressed his thanks to all his seniors, peers and juniors who gave so passionately in the fight against poverty.
Meanwhile, co-chairman for the fund raising, Tiew Kiong said the collected funds would be distributed under four phases.
Yesterday morning was Phase 1 for a batch of 49 students. This would be followed by Phase 2 for the 75 pupils of Sacred Heart English Primary School.
Phase 3 would be when the secondary school reopens and the funds would be extended to those underprivileged students not covered under Phase 1.
Therefore phase 1 to phase 3 would cover a total of 168 students and 75 pupils. The final phase would be a “targetted assistance” exercise, whereby needy students will get aids in cash and kind.
Senator Lau, who was present to ensure an orderly distribution of the funds, also helped to sign up parents and families of the recipients who have yet to register for their Covid 19 vaccinations. — DayakDaily
