KUCHING: Hope Place, a charity that provides food and necessities to societies neediest has launched a fundraising animated short video.
Every frame of the four-minute animation was hand-drawn by Pixbugs Studio which consisted of young talented graduates from University Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) and Swinburne University of Technology, over seven months, from storyboarding till the completed full production of the video.
Hock Seng Lee (HSL), one of Hope Place’s biggest donor also sponsored the video as part of their social corporate social responsibility.
The unveiling of the fundraiser was at the new HSL Tower and La Promenade Mall’s level five auditorium. To watch the official animation video, visit www.hsl.com.my, or via Facebook and Instagram by searching @hslcn profile name.
Hope Place founder Kelvin Wan said he was deeply touched after watching the animation.
“The story is about helping an old lady, as seen from the point-of-view a young girl. This animation captures both the sadness of those in need and also the joys of collective help. There’s a sense of youthful optimism and camaraderie. It moved me,” he said today.
The animation was launched at a time when the non-government organisation (NGO) is at its busiest helping families hit hard by the pandemic.
“It is common knowledge that the poorest are affected the most and fundraising now is crucial,” he said.
He said there were hundreds of families on the list, and Hope Place help as many as they can but there is much more that needs to be done.
“It is also the year-end ‘landas’ (monsoon rain) season and we are preparing to help during times of disasters,” he said.
Besides sponsoring the video, HSL also gives Hope Place grants, and recently provided two shop lots at Eden Centre 3, opposite Road Transport Department (JPJ) at Mile 12, free-of-rental for Hope Place to set up a thrift store.
HSL Human Resource senior manager and Corporate Communications Jennifer Tang said, “Dishing out money is only part of what HSL does. More importantly, we believe the best charity is providing our skills and providing our products.
“Because we value Hope Place’s work, we give to them grants, our sales department put this video together, and we are looking forward to seeing their store open — which not only creates employment but will provide affordable items to the community,” she said.
Meanwhile, Pixbugs Studio founder Shawn Chai said they have done a lot of corporate videos for HSL like new properties, sales events and even aerial views for site tours — but this animation for Hope Place is the most special yet.
“HSL’s brief to us was simple — sponsored video to let Hope Place use for the long-term as a fund-raiser.
“We met up with Kelvin, and very quickly, he accepted our idea to do an animation. It was a very tough challenge for us, as it is tedious and takes a long time, but we felt an animation will stand apart. We’re hoping this goes viral for a good cause,” he said.
To learn more about the charity, visit hopeplace.org.my or call 013-5672775 or 082-505987.
Donations can also be made to Hope Place’s account — Persatuan Kebajikan Harapan Kuching at Maybank on the account number 511289001160.
