SIBU: An open house was held at the blind centre on Sunday to raise funds for the Sibu branch of the Sarawak Society For The Blind (SSB).
Retired Appeal Court Judge Datuk Stephen Chung who officiated at the event thanked various local organisations, sponsors and donors who contributed to the success of the open house.
“This open house is the main fundraising event,” he said, adding it was typically held to raise funds to build the shelter workshop and hostel accommodation for the blind as well as visually impaired.
“The project was also to help them with mobility, orientation, basketry and sport activities.
“We used to have more than 30 clients staying in and they started a band who used to perform for the public once a month at the esplanade,” he said.
Over the years, it became difficult to source for rattan for the basketry, he said, adding that the centre then engaged them in massage skills.
He said some of them have since become full time masseuses to make a living.
Chung recalled that after that, the focus was on community based living and they were encouraged to stay and work in the community.
He said the centre then bought a parcel of land in Oya Road and helped them build their houses and were given plot of land to grow vegetables and fruits.
He also stated that apart from Sibu, there are many visually impaired who live in places like Kanowit and Sarikei under the care of the branch.
“We continue to help them with food parcels. All these require funding, hence the continuous of holding of the fundraising open house event,” Chung added.
Also present were Society President Dato Dr Hsiung Kwo Yeun, branch adviser Dato Ding Lian Cheon, chairman of Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) Clarence Ting who is also chairman of the branch , Lion District 308-A2 Governor Kapitan Connie Lo Ming Hua and organising chairperson Datin Sri Judy Lau Kung Ee.
