KUCHING: Amidst the familiar ritual of dusting off the long-neglected Christmas tree from the storeroom or hearing the melodic choir that has rehearsed tirelessly for this season, Christmas continues to stand as a timeless beacon of love and service.
It is a season where the world pauses to celebrate the beauty of giving, cherishing the joy found in selflessly serving others – a value that resonates profoundly with the Lions Club of Kuching City.
Once again, the Lions Club organised the Grow with the Handicapped (GROWTH) Christmas party alongside Leo Clubs from SMK St Teresa, SM Lodge, and St Joseph’s private school.
This annual party was held at the Archdiocesan Curia and Cathedral Pastoral Centre (ACCPC) on Dec 16 to bring cheer to the less privileged kids in the GROWTH ministry.
Twenty-six members and their families participated in the event and a special mass was held by Archbishop Simon Poh.
Jane Ling, a committee member who is also assisting the public relations team of the Lions Club, expressed her joy as she recalled the memories made from the event.
“It was indeed heart-warming to see the gleam of joy in the eyes of these special kids and young adults as they participated in the carols singing and games,” she said.
She added that the generous contributions of the Lions and Leo club members enabled the club to sponsor different love gifts for the members.
Organising chairperson and Lions Club president Vincent Tan thanked the Lions and Leos for making the annual party a success.
The GROWTH ministry dates back to 2003 when a group of parents with disabled children and friends approached the Parish Priest for permission to form a supportive group for people with disabilities.
The group’s initial aim is to provide respite care and an opportunity for parents and caregivers to share their experiences.
As the years continued, the group began to grow and continues to touch disabled children, adolescents, adults, their families and friends through supporting and organising activities for them.
This initiative stands as one among several service projects undertaken by the Lions Club for the marginalised – such as House of JOY, Home of Peace, and Lions Nursing Home.
“So, let us all continue to be generous to the less fortunate in our society during the forthcoming years – we all can make a difference in their lives,” Ling said, stressing the enduring commitment to serving those in need.
