Chapter 14 : MWH cause 2009 - Aug/Sep update

We meet again, on 090909 ;) Hope this reaches you well.

Hari Raya Aidilfitri is just round the corner. This is the busiest time of the year for CEO of 2nd Chance Properties, Hasan Marican. One of 2nd Chance's businesses is the production of traditional apparels for the Malay community and they sell like 'hot cakes' during the festive seasons. Even so, every year, without fail, for the past 16 years, CEO Hasan would 'reserve' (before the start of the fasting month) the baju kurungs for the children of MWH. It took quite a while for us to convince CEO Hasan before he agreed to be featured in 'Many Roads Home'. His significant contribution brings hope and joy to the children during Aidilfitri and an excellent example of the role of 'Many Helping Hands' that the book hopes to portray. It is also an acknowledgement to the individuals/volunteers/corporations for their admirable effort to help the underpriviledged. http://www.secondchance.com.sg

Among other ways exemplify 'Many Helping Hands' include the sharing of expertise and resources between agencies. In this instance, we are extremely grateful to Beyond Social Service for introducing a Social Circus Trainer, Andrea Ousley from Swinburn University. Andrea conducts an interesting and unique programme known as Cirque Du Monde (for young people) and she has extensive experience with troubled kids in different parts of the world. Cirque du Monde enables young people to achieve their full potential.

We are happy that the Executive Director of Beyond Social Service, Gerard Ee, himself, together with Assistant Director Vincent Lim, and their staff joined our humble Iftar or 'break fast together' during Ramadan on 29 Aug 09 at MWH. http://www.beyond.org.sg. We are also pleased to receive Professor Dr Frank Früchtel from the Potsdam University of Applied Sciences (Faculty of Social Work) and other MWH volunteers Joe Lim, Jamil Yusak, Munirah and Sabariah. MWH also invites parents/guardians to spend time with their children in MWH during Iftar. Such gatherings definitely bring us closer and we are delighted to have the non-Muslims as well.

In this note, I would like to express thanks to Fazidah and the Ministry of Education for looking into providing some items for the classrooms for MWH new premise. And to Hsu Chern from Rabobank for making time to know more about MWH and exploring on what other ways to help.

MWH project 2009 would not have come this far without the continuous guidance and support from the MWH Project Advisors. These individuals are indeed 'unsung heroes' and community leaders in their own distinctive ways. You have to read about them and be inspired as much as they have inspired me! Nisa and former Superintendents Hamzah Abdul Rahman, Jamil Yusak and Tabrani have been very much active in the projects and they are the key source of motivation. With this, I hope I have answered RJC student Yusnellie's enquiry about the key individuals behind MWH's worthy endeavours.

At this juncture, MWH still requires the community's support in its effort to help the children in need. Do spread the word about:

'Adopt A Room' - urgent
Pre-order 'Many Roads Home'
Be a Volunteer

To all our student volunteers having exams, Persevere On! To our Muslim Brothers and Sisters, May you have a blessed Ramadan and to all, Have a meaningful week ahead.