Bloggers Help to Spread Love for the Children at the Penang Shan Children’s Home Association

Penang, 3rd February 2013 — About 40 bloggers and public visited the Penang Shan Children’s Home Association to distribute food, beverages and gadgets, sponsored by various commercial entities. It’s a philanthropic exercise not only by businesses in executing their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) but by everyone to give back to the society, thus making life more bearable for everyone in need. The event is made possible by Crowdpot Sdn Bhd (Event Organizer), Ninetology Malaysia, SUBWAY® (Suntech, iAvenue, & Leith Street branches), Chatime Malaysia, Langkawi Saga Travel & Tours Sdn. Bhd. and Alextan Artworks.

Penang Shan Children’s Home (PSCH) began as a dream and initiative of Dr. S Balakrishnan in the year 2005. This is a non-religious and a non-profit, non-governmental organization catering to the needs of orphans, neglected children, dysfunctional families and single parents. The home was built and officially launched on 14th December 2008 by Madam Chan Siew Har. PSCH’s mission is to maximize the attractive opportunities that are stored in the children; to make something happen; to change the ways that things are and to create something that no one else has ever created before for the children, to explore for opportunities; to provide guidance and course correction; maintaining focus on being consistent and persistent. The objectives are both short and on a long term basis. The short term objective is to provide all the children with a safe and supportive environment. The focus will be on the development of physical, mental, emotional, educational, social and recreational skills that will create awareness to structure and mould the child’s future. The longer term development includes the options that are available for the child’s future, supporting them to complete the tertiary education preferably to University level. For those who are unable to complete the basic education, they would be trained in developing their skills by educating them in skill training centers. Through home visits and working with parents, they would like to ensure that eventually the child is reunited with his/her family thus becoming the backbone of the family.

How to help Penang Shan Children’s Home Association?

1.       Adopt-A-Child Program

The average monthly expenditure per child amounts to RM400. This includes lodging, education, meals, transportation and pocket money. Interested members of the public can contact the home.

2.       Donation

The home solely depends on donation to meet the relatively high running cost. They would be very grateful members of the public or private companies can step forward to contribute a one-off or monthly fixed donation. Interested entity can contact the home.

Other Information:

Penang Shan Children’s Home Association

679-D, Jalan Mount Erskine, Tanjung Tokong, 10470 Pulau Pinang

Tel: 04-2292186 / 016-4127711

Fax: 04-2292186

Email: shanchildrenhomepg@yahoo.com

*Credit of photos and articles goes to the organizers, Ken is just helping to spread the words.*

Bloggers Help to Spread Love for the Children at the Children’s Protection Society

Penang, 3rd February 2013 — About 40 bloggers and public the Children’s Protection Society to distribute food, beverages and gadgets, sponsored by various commercial entities. It’s a philanthropic exercise not only by businesses in executing their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) but by everyone to give back to the society, thus making life more bearable for everyone in need. The event is made possible by Crowdpot Sdn Bhd (Event Organizer), Ninetology Malaysia, SUBWAY® (Suntech, iAvenue, & Leith Street branches), Chatime Malaysia, Langkawi Saga Travel & Tours Sdn. Bhd. and Alextan Artworks.

The Children’s Protection Society (CPS) began as an initiative of Dato’ Nazir Ariff when he was President of the Rotary Club in Penang (1991). It is a non-profit, non-governmental organization catering to the needs of neglected and/or abandoned children in Penang. It was officially launched in April 1992 by Puan Sri Chua Kah Peng. The objectives of CPS are both immediate and longer-term. The immediate objective is to provide children at risk with a safe, supportive and conducive environment (Shelter). Their concerned and focused areas include the emotional and physical development, education, social and recreational skills. At the same time, CPS aims to work with parents and other family members, so that the child can eventually be reunited with his/her family. In the pipeline, they hope to support projects to enhance community-based facilities for childcare and development in areas where such facilities are lacking. They also try to promote a more general awareness of the issues relating to children at risk by being involved in training and discussions. Hence they work together with various government and non-government organizations to help to develop longer-term strategies and goals.

How to help Children’s Protection Society?

1.       Become a Volunteer: http://www.cpspg.org.my/webpages/help.html

Learning and Tuition is always needed - many of our children have missed a substantial amount of school due to their backgrounds, and often find it difficult to catch up with school work. If you are prepared for the extra challenges which many of our children face, and are prepared to commit a regular time a week (can be anything from an hour up).

2.        Sponsor-A-Child Program: http://www.cpspg.org.my/webpages/help02.html

 Talk to any of our staff if you are interested to sponsor a child

3.       Donation: http://www.cpspg.org.my/webpages/help03.html

If you want to make a financial donation, please send cheques (payable to Children's Protection Society Pulau Pinang) to CPS at 118-A Jalan Scotland, 10450 Penang. CPS is a registered charity home with the Welfare Department so donations will be tax-exempt.

4.       Sponsoring an Activity or Outing: http://www.cpspg.org.my/webpages/help04.html

CPS organizes many activities for the children, staff and volunteers. We welcome sponsorship of specific activities. Give us a call if you have any ideas of your own, or would like to hear from us on what sort of activities you could sponsor.

Other Information:

Children’s Protection Society Pulau Pinang

118-A Jalan Scotland, 10450 Penang, Malaysia

Tel: 04-8294046

Fax: 04-8294046

Email: cpspg@hotmail.com

Website: www.cpspg.org.my

*Credit of photos and articles goes to the organizers, Ken is just helping to spread the words.*

Bloggers Help to Spread Love for the Children at the Ramakrishna Ashrama

Penang, 3rd February 2013 — About 40 bloggers and public visited The Ramakrishna Ashrama to distribute food, beverages and gadgets, sponsored by various commercial entities. It’s a philanthropic exercise not only by businesses in executing their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) but by everyone to give back to the society, thus making life more bearable for everyone in need. The event is made possible by Crowdpot Sdn Bhd (Event Organizer), Ninetology Malaysia, SUBWAY® (Suntech, iAvenue, & Leith Street branches), Chatime Malaysia, Langkawi Saga Travel & Tours Sdn. Bhd. and Alextan Artworks.

The Ramakrishna Ashrama (Orphanage), Penang is a charitable organization founded in 1938 under the inspiration and guidance of His Holiness Swami Bhaswarananda Maharaj who was then stationed at The Ramakrishna Mission, Singapore. Apart from spiritual activities, the Ashrama runs an orphanage, catering for both boys and girls with ages ranging from 6 to 20 years old. The orphanage admits needy orphaned children who are poor and need the help from the society to assist them with basic needs and education. The children in the home are given proper education and are well cared for so that they will grow up to be useful citizens. Besides education, the girls learn traditional dancing, cooking and housekeeping. Children excelling well academically are encouraged to pursue higher education.

How to help The Ramakrishna Ashrama?

1.       Sponsoring a Child Program: http://theramakrishnapg.org/2009/02/22/sponsor-a-child-program-in-ramakrishna-ashrama-penang/

The estimated cost to support a child at Ramakrishna Ashrama RM1,500 per annum. The breakdown cost is as follows.

 Education: RM500

Food: RM600

Maintenance: RM300

Miscellaneous: RM100

2.       Donation:     https://www.cimbclicks.com.my/TIBSEPWeb/fpxPaymentToNGO_add.do?payeeId=FPXNGORAMA

Donation to The Ramakrishna can be done only via CIMB Cares (www.cimbclicks.com.my)

Orphan Admission: http://theramakrishnapg.org/2009/02/22/orphan-admission/

A child with either no parents or with a single parent who supports the child can be admitted to the Ashrama under the following circumstances:

-          He/She is from age 6 and above.

-          The parent or relatives has no means of supporting the child.

-          The child has been mistreated or abused.

(Referred by the Jabatan Kebajikan Negeri or community leaders)

Other Information:

The Ramakrishna Ashrama

No 37, Jalan Scotland, 10450 Pulau Pinang

Tel: 04-2270869

Fax: 04-2278921

Email: ramkorp@hotmail.com

Website: http://theramakrishnapg.org/

*Credit of photos and articles goes to the organizers, Ken is just helping to spread the words.*

Long Waited- Graduation (Part 2)

Continued from previous post........

DAY 5: Caversham Wildlife Park- Lobster Shack- Pinnacles- Dessert

As Pinnacles are way too far and near to impossible for us to drive into (dessert area, too isolated and high chances of getting lost), we have opted to register for an one-day trip at the cost of Aud 165/ person. So the 6 of us had to wake up at 5+am that morning and get prepared for the day. We did heat up some ham and made some sandwiches so we could bring it with us on the trip. We arrived at Good Earth Hotel for the coach to arrive and pick us up. 

We were transferred to another coach/ 4WD at the Barrack Road Jetty (walking distance from Bell Tower) then chauffeured us to the first destination- Caversham Wildlife Park. The trip was okay, all i remember was sleeping... sleeping and sleeping. Oh well... some cam-whore in the middle of no where.

The cuteness of Koalas are too strongggggg....... Can't wait to touch it again... so smooth and fluffy. Managed to get a few satisfying shots, its really rare that they are awake and posing for me to shoot, they usually sleep for around 16 hours a day on average. Can i just buy one back to Malaysia as pet? Please..............

Next was Kangaroo Farm which..... full of Kangaroo Poops. The Zookeepers gave us some foods to be given to Kangaroos, well.... i did try my best but i felt disgusted especially when they have licked my fair-white hands....gross!!! I've stopped feeding since then.... my dad... on the other hand, got addicted feeding these beasts. He even asked for more and went for a 'second round' feeding...... My mom feels grossed seeing the Kangaroos jumping towards her directions, she was so freaked out and not too willing to touch them. 

Right next was to take a photo with a big fat rat- Wombat! It was stink and i wouldn't want to take a picture with it anymore!

A short tour to Lobster Shack, located at seaside... visitors are given the opportunity to tour the factory and witness how they processed the lobsters. We had our complimentary lunch there- Chicken Breast Salad together with some Olive Oil dressing, Tim Tam Chocolate, Fresh Fruit, a Bun. I love the salad... simple, refreshing and delicious but..... apart from me, they don't seem to enjoy it that much and described it as "eating grass". My poor dad took a bite and decided to give up.... he had the sandwich which we brought later in the bus. Well as for me, I walloped his portion.... wouldn't mind to have more now! 

After a couple hours of driving, we have finally reached the Pinnacles. The aborigines believed that this place was cursed as the wind is too strong where the sands/ rocks will be shifting from time to time, another name will be "the moving sands". As a result from the friction created between the sands and rocks, here comes the naturally and uniquely shaped rocks around the area. The sand was too fine, it wasn't easy for me to notice that some of the sands have actually came in my mouth. It was too hot that day (around 36'C), we had a few shots and left to find ourselves a shady place to rest.

The dessert area was another horrible place. The wind was so strong... i think i will be blown away if i were to lose another 10kgs or so. HAHAHA. Anyway, breath-taking scenery there and glad that we had a wonderful experience.

The coach stopped for us to experience sand boarding. Most of us didn't try as we were warned that we won't be able to find our belongings if we drop them accidentally during sliding down from the hilltop. Shu Ling was the only one who wished to play and glad that she and her belongings were all safe. 

After a few hours of drive, we finally reached the place where we were chauffeured to the destinations. A tiring day it was.... i think all of us had a very good sleep that night.

DAY 6: Subiaco Market-  Perth CBD- Fremantle Market- Cicerelllos Fish N Chips- Westfield Carousel

Parking was tedious at this place but we've managed to find a parking slot after a few turnings. Photo showing Shu Ling selecting her mangoes. Plums were very fresh and cheap there... barely find some strawberries, probably due to the wrong season. I can find them easily when i was there at July, 2012.

We have soon arrived in the City center, the parking at CBD was a scam. It costs us Aud 27 for 1.5 hours. Well it was very rush for us, simply took a few shots at the streets and shopping! The girls got themselves some hand-made candies and some souvenirs. As for me, i've managed to find myself a decent Guess shirt and Polo shirt. We did drop by Northbridge for the souvenirs too (Nougat, Goat's cream/ Placenta cream etc). 

Reaching Fremantle at around 1+pm was later than what i've planned but nevertheless, we were able to secure a seat at the Ramen inside Fremantle market and get Kin Yew his honey. We've found some Ostrich Eggs for sale too, gigantic size and some proposed that we should literally get ourselves one and cook as dinner. Rejected the idea as we have limited resources and not knowing the proper way to handle an Ostrich Egg.

We then headed for a walk by the seaside.... very windy and sunny too. Off we went to Cicerellos for its famous Fish N Chips and Oysters. The oysters were heavenly, so rich and creamy. We were craving for more and we had to make an extra order of half dozen after finishing one whole plate. Fish N Chips were okay but the portion was too big for the few of us.

It was around 5+pm the time we left Fremantle.... and again, we headed back home and cooked for a hearty meal. 

DAY 7: Curtin University- Farmer's Market- Edgecombe Brothers- San Churros- Crown Casino

As we were feeling uneasy as we weren't able to take much photos during our graduation ceremony due to time constraints. The girls proposed that we should literally head back to Curtin University for more photo shooting sessions. With the help of Shu Ling's tripod, we were able to take a few satisfying group photos and tour around Curtin's main areas.

More portraiture shots at the field right in front of Curtin's main library. 

While we were driving back to our house from Curtin University, we've passed by this Farmer's market which reminded me on how often i used to come here for some shopping of fruits and fresh vegetables. We had our brunch here, my parents had Pork Sausage Sandwich, the girls had Woodfire Pizza and i had some unique Roti Canai-kinda snack before heading to Swan Valley.

It was a long and boring drive. The ladies were asleep while me (the poor driver) had to stay awake and alert all the way. It took me around 1 hour to reach Edgecombe Brothers Vineyard at Swan Valley and it was super duper hot that day (in fact, the hottest throughout our trip- 38'C), we quickly grabbed the opportunity to take some photos before heading in for the wine-tasting session.

At the cost of Aud 4/ person, we were given 8 small cups of Wines to taste. Wine tasters are allowed to purchase the wines at specific prices. I did not manage to drink a lot as obviously i was the only drivers, i would love to drink but i just couldn't. These few fellas were drinking like no tomorrow, their faces turned red within a glimpse of an eye. My mom was slightly drunk and she wished the guy (who can speaks some Malay as he was living in Malaysia for a few years before) Selamat Pagi instead of Selamat Jalan. LOL! What a joke! We've bought a bottle of decent wine for Aud 23 after that.

Next destination of the day was San Churros at Northbridge. Its such a pity that we couldn't able to get any cakes from Corica (especially Apple Strudel) as we were late on that day, they will be closed on every Saturday, at 3pm. At San Churros, we get to savor the freshly deep fried Churros (Spanish Doughnut) with their creamy and sweet melted Chocolate. Shu Ling seemed to enjoy this a lot as she walloped the whole plate after few of us trying a few bites.

It was Chinese New Year eve that night and we had our dinner at a Vietnamese Restaurant at Victoria Park. We had some Vietnamese Rice Rolls and Pho, spent like around Aud 15 per person and off we headed to Crown Casino to meet up with ZY. We did manage to play a few rounds and i've won myself a few dollars (still a negative since i've lost more earlier ago).

DAY 8: Departure to Penang

We barely fit all the luggage in but thank GOD, we've managed to push all of them in at once. Dropped them at the main entrance and i had to park my car back at the car rental area. Returned the car and told them that i've accidentally banged their car, luckily we've purchased the Premium Insurance which covers all costs and accidents. We don't have to pay for it. It feels strange that we had to cook fried rice in the early morning (especially the first day of Chinese New Year) so that we could pack it and enjoy in the airport but i guess it was okay since we had to save more.... economy not good tahu?

There was some sort of protest going on that day, something like protesting against their car park test. We were given a "bee-designed" stress ball each as souvenirs.

Too early for check ins and boarding so we've decided to do some cam-whore right in front of Perth's International Airport. Oh well, i must say that this trip was definitely one of the most memorable trips during my degree life. The sad part was it sums up my degree life and i had to face the harsh working world real soon. I hereby wish all of my classmates/ course-mates all the best in your future undertakings and succeed in our lives.