UTAR Centre for Foundation Studies (CFS) of Kampar Campus successfully conducted a fundraising project in conjunction with UTAR’s 20th Anniversary, titled “Building Community Through Giving” over the course of two months from June 2022 to July 2022.

Led by CFS Department of Management and Accountancy academic staff Chan Wan Ling, a total of RM4,510 was successfully raised with unwavering support from UTAR staff, UTAR students and members of the public. This overwhelming response allowed the committee to channel 70% of the total funds to six centres, namely Rumah Sejahtera Mambang Diawan Kampar, Pusat Jagaan HK Anbu Illam Bidor, Pusat Jagaan Sutera Kampar, Charitarian Ipoh, Yayasan Latihan Insan Istimewa Ipoh, and Persatuan Prihatin Haiwan Terbiar Ipoh. The remaining 30% of the total funds were channelled to UTAR Education Foundation.

Out of the six centres, the first three were old folk’s homes while Charitarian Ipoh caters up to 500 free meals from Monday to Friday to the jobless, homeless and senior citizens. On the other hand, Yayasan Latihan Insan Istimewa Ipoh is a centre for kids with Down Syndrome, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and Cerebral Palsy. Persatuan Prihatin Haiwan Terbiar Ipoh which is famously known as Papan Souls is managed by a group of volunteers who offer food and shelter to the strays.

The committee members distributed the purchased items in the form of household supplies such as groceries and toiletries in August 2022. Upon special request by Yayasan Latihan Insan Istimewa Ipoh and Persatuan Prihatin Haiwan Terbiar Ipoh, the committee donated a sum of RM600 in cash for each centre instead of in-kind.

Sharing the pleasure of helping others, Organising Chairperson, Chan Wan Ling enthused, “It was certainly a meaningful experience for the organising committee as we were given an opportunity to give back to society. The recipients genuinely expressed their appreciation to UTAR for the help extended.” 

She continued, “We were also very delighted to have received face masks worth RM1,000 from HTM Pharmacy. Their kind gesture helped in ensuring the safety of the residents in the respective centres. The committee is very happy because we are able to achieve our intended motive which is to be in a move to help others.” She also conveyed her appreciation to her team members for all the effort, support and cooperation provided during the project.