News Article from The Star Online



HAPPY Meals are not the only things putting a smile on children’s faces.

McDonald's® Malaysia and its charity arm, Ronald McDonald House Charities Malaysia (RMHC), spread cheer to some 75 children at Pusat Jagaan Lambaian Kasih in Kampung Sungai Penchala recently.

About 25 volunteers spent the day with the children, starting with a storytelling session by Ronald McDonald, before proceeding to decorate the centre’s multipurpose hall to add to the festive mood at the venue where many of them will be spending their Hari Raya.
McDonald's® Malaysia managing director Azmir Jaafar presented duit Raya and school necessities to the children, and later gave a donation of RM5,000 to the centre.

That evening was made even merrier when everyone broke fast together.

“RMHC’s focus has always been about the welfare, health and education of children.

“The charity actively reaches out to children through various activities as well as its four main programmes which are the Ronald McDonald House, Ronald McDonald Sensory Rooms, Ronald McDonald ‘Gift of Smile’ and the Ronald McDonald scholarship programme.

“Today, we simply wanted to see the children happy,” said McDonald's® Malaysia corporate communications director Rozita Ahmad.
She added that many of the children were orphaned, from desolate backgrounds or single-mother families.

“On top of the generosity of the charities, we really just want our children to be more socially adept and be able to interact with people outside,” said Pusat Jagaan Lambaian Kasih manager Nur Sakinah Hussain, who was delighted with the volunteers’ involvement with the children.

She said there were about 111 children who went to school at the centre, and many were from the different charity homes nearby.

“We have seven classrooms on the floors above the hall and the children are taught by volunteers.”

Nur Sakinah said there were some children as old as 10 who still could not read.

“We try our best to help, and continue to teach those who need to be deferred from secondary education.”

Some students who fall behind in their studies seek vocational training at the centre’s own small-scale bread, tailoring and mineral water factory.

“It is not much, but the proceeds go to our operations, and help children and single mothers,” added Nur Sakinah.

The centre provides schooling and prayer needs for the children, and provides for their living necessities.

This costs RM52,100 a month including operations expenses.

Those who wish to help can check out www.lambaiankasih.com or call Nur Sakinah Hussain at 011-1129 0310 or Rohanah Hussein at 011-2821 5549.