Thomas Tan
Jom Durian IV fest organized by The Children’s Wish Society of Malaysia (CWS) at Subang Parade on July 3rd, raised a record RM180,000 from 1,400 tickets.
The durian fest which was made possible by the support of corporate sponsors who willingly donated cash to support this charity project, sold each ticket at RM20.00 to raise the fund.
The annual event drew crowds of 2,000 durian lovers and supporters from various ages, races and religious beliefs, who came in droves to show their support for the cause and entered itself into the Malaysia Book of Records for having achieved the feat – the largest charity durian fest ever organized.
“The event is a big success because of the overwhelming support from members of the public and corporate sector who do really care out there for the well-being of the sick children who are in need of smiles,” said CWS Malaysia president Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam.
It was an enjoyable afternoon for the durian lovers as they enjoyed the durian feast, they were also entertained with song performances by a group from UOB Bank who entertained with songs including self-composed “United” and “When you say nothing at all” song made famous by Ronan Keating.
Form Four students from SMK Subang Jaya who called themselves “Cool Story Bro” kept the durian party atmosphere going by belting out popular hits such as “Next to you” by Justin Bieber.
All money raised by the fund will go towards the Children’s Wish Society of Malaysia, an NGO based in Subang Jaya to aid children suffering from terminal and life-threatening illnesses, by granting them a wish.
Thanks to the tremendous support and generosity of all, the terminally ill children feel not forgotten with the proceeds that are now going to make so many of them smile and their wishes come true.
CWS Malaysia vice president Teoh Teik Hoong said, “We are thankful for all the wonderful support we received. This is our fourth year durian fest and next year we plan to stage a bigger and better event as we are learning every year.”
There were also many awesome volunteers, 130 of them, who helped out so tremendously and tirelessly in a number of different areas such as opening the thorny durians. It takes a lot of skill to open a durian without being pricked.
Selangor state assembly speaker Dato’ Teng Chang Khim officially launched the event.
Loud cheers and applause erupted when Dato’ Teng, in his speech, announced a donation of RM5,000 to the charitable cause.
Later he witnessed the handing over of the Malaysia Book of Records certificate by a representative of the national record keeper to CWS Malaysia president Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam.
Among those present at the event included Hektar Property Services Sdn Bhd Chief Executive Officer Adzman Shah Mohd Ariffin, MBSJ councillor for JKP Zone 3 (covering USJ 2 to 15) Rajiv Rishyakaran, Subang Jaya SS17 police station OCS Chief Inspector Sulaiman Baputty and Debbie Phang, private secretary to Subang Jaya state assemblyman Hannah Teoh, who represented her boss who is on confinement.
Hektar Property Services Sdn Bhd Chief Executive Officer Adzman Shah Mohd Ariffin said: “It was a happy occasion with so many people extending their help to bring a smile of the children and I hope more charitable donations continue to come in to support good causes.”
“Of course, more importantly the public can help out a worthy charitable cause while enjoining their favourite king of fruits. Good work to the organizer,” added Jessie.
Reshminder Singh, 34, account manager in Kota Damansara, who came with his three brothers and a friend said: “I was impressed with how well organized it was. We enjoyed ourselves and found very interesting with so many durians;”
“It was a meaningful event and I will surely bring more friends next year,” added Reshminder who was here for the first time tasting the durian.
Norishak Ibrahim, 27, a government officer said : “It was interesting as there are so many people of various races here enjoy eating the durians in the spirit of 1Malaysia” .
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