Kota Kinabalu: More than half of a RM500,000 fundraising target has been raised to improve the welfare and care of 90 senior citizens at Rumah Warga Tua Sri Pritchard Kinarut, thanks to strong support from Sabah government-linked companies (GLCs), the private sector and individual donors.
The fundraising drive, organised by the home’s Board of Visitors through a charity dinner and dance, aims to raise additional funds to meet the growing operational, healthcare and welfare needs of its elderly residents.
About 66 tables were sponsored for the event, with more than 40 taken up by GLCs and private-sector entities, while the remainder were sponsored by individual donors.
Among the contributors were Yayasan Sabah, Sawit Kinabalu, Sabah Electricity and SMJ Energy, as well as private companies and members of the public.
Women, Health and People’s Wellbeing Minister Datuk Julita Majungki said the initiative was an important complement to Government efforts to ensure the welfare of senior citizens.
She said the funds raised would help cover logistics costs, health equipment and welfare programmes for residents at the Kinarut home.
Sri Pritchard currently provides accommodation, food and medical care for 90 senior citizens, while residents are also involved in exercise, gardening, social and recreational activities designed to keep them active and engaged.
Julita said the strong response from GLCs, businesses and individuals showed that caring for the elderly was a shared responsibility.
She said continued support from the community was particularly important for senior citizens who had no family or other support, so they would not feel neglected or alone.