Pertubuhan Wanita Mutiara and Sim Tze Tzin, the state assemblyman for Pantai Jerejak celebrated Mother’s Day with single mothers and orphans at a home in Permatang Damar Laut yesterday.
Although some of the children are orphaned, celebrating Mother’s Day with them made sense as the volunteers were already very much like mothers to these children, explained both Dr. Sim Joo Seng and Chew Lay Kean, the organizers of the event.
Betty Chew, president of Pertubuhan Wanita Mutiara, together with Noorazlena Mat Kharsa and Lee Seok Looi, presented toys, clothing and books to the home, and was greeted with smiles and cheers all around.
Sim Tze Tzin pledged RM3000 to the home.
During the event, the children gave a well-rehearsed performance of song and dance to the VIPs and the evening ended with a cake-cutting ceremony.
Home with a heart
Rumah Seri Cahaya is an organization founded by two good women who believed in helping the needy. T.Kalliamah and Linda Gregory currently run three homes – one for the orphans, one for the less capable and another for senior citizens.
“We open our arms to anybody and everybody who needs help,” said Kalliamah who believes and professes in the teachings of Saint Ramalingam – that God is one and God is love.
Run entirely on donations and help from volunteers, Rumah Seri Cahaya has been in operation for 14 years, and currently houses 33 children and 10 senior citizens.
“We started in 1999 with only 18 children. Initially, we opened the home to help single mothers who had to leave their children at home while they went to work. Eventually, more and more people turned to us for help,” added the former nurse.
“Our expenses run up to about RM15,000 per month,” Kalliamah revealed adding that although their premises are now all rented, they will soon have their own building.
Those who wish to donate to Rumah Seri Cahaya may contact the home at 04-6265101.
