THE SALVATION ARMY PENANG OPEN DAY
SPEECH BY THE CHIEF MINISTER OF PENANG YAB TUAN CHOW KON YEOW FOR THE SALVATION ARMY PENANG OPEN DAY
12 Oct 2019
Penang Children’s Home, 8-A Logan Road, 10400 Penang
Good afternoon everyone!
I would like to thank all of you for coming. We are gathered here today for one common goal – to raise funds to help the disadvantaged in our community through The Salvation Army. As many of you may already know, The Salvation Army started its work in Malaysia right here in Penang, back in 1938, and they have been faithfully serving the Penang community and many other communities across the nation since then. This year marks their 81st year of faithfully serving the less fortunate in Malaysia.
Over the years, The Salvation Army Children’s Home in Penang has helped countless children by ensuring they are sheltered in a safe home environment, receive an education and given the counselling and guidance they need to ensure they are able to cope and adapt to their new environment. All of this is done to ensure the children are raised to become responsible citizens of Malaysia.
The Salvation Army Corps and Community Service in Penang have also been dedicated in helping the needy through their feeding programme, food parcels, counseling sessions and family visitations. This is not forgetting the Family Thrift Stores that aim to help the environment by recycling old furniture, clothing and much more. A lot of these are also resold to needy families at very affordable prices.
Ladies and gentlemen,
Every Ringgit and cent you spend today will benefit the needy and many in Penang who are in need of hope to get through another day. The Salvation Army is dedicated to provide direct, compassionate, hands-on service to restore hope and dignity for many people who might otherwise remain invisible in our community. I urge you to give generously so that The Salvation Army can continue with their good work.
Sir Winston Churchill, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, once said: "Where there is a need, there is The Salvation Army!" and this still rings true today. We are grateful that The Salvation Army is still standing tall amongst us today, with their flag flying high in 132 countries around the world.
Once again, I would like to congratulate The Salvation Army in Penang, and not forgetting all sponsors, donors, stall holders, staff, volunteers, members of The Salvation Army and all of you for being here to support this event today. A big thank you to all of you for making this event possible and for your continued support to help others. You are the true heroes of our community, so thank you for being a part of making Penang a better place to live.