BY NATASHA JEE & SHAIK SHAIFUL
KUCHING: The public have been urged to be more caring to those who are less fortunate in life.
“I would like to appeal to the public to create a more caring society. Society needs caring people so that we are able to continue living harmoniously with each other, to understand each other’s sickness and each other better,” said Kuching South City Council (MBKS) mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng.
He said this during the Autism Art Exhibition 2022 organised by Kuching Autistic Association (KAA) held at The Spring Shopping Mall here on Friday (Nov 4).
Wee, who was representing Deputy Premier Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian, said creating a caring society was not the government’s job alone but required the effort of all.
“It is not how much you contribute, in actual fact, just show your love and care, that is good enough.
“Because everybody has the right to be in society and everybody has the right to be loved.”
Meanwhile, the exhibition is held for the third time and as one of the activities to raise funds for the association.
KAA president Dr Catherine Chen said 90 artworks were on display, all done by 12 of KAA’s artists.
“KAA’s operating cost is about RM1.1mil annually. School fees collected from parents make up only 30 per cent of what we need. Our annual deficit is about RM750,000.
“In addition, fundraising has been difficult over the past three years due to the pandemic,” she said.
She added that the main source of income for the association had been donations and the sale of artwork, merchandise and beadwork.
“On behalf of KAA, I wish to thank corporate sponsors, individuals and the community for your strong support through financial contributions and purchasing our students’ artwork, merchandise and handiwork.
“Also, special thanks to the Sarawak government, under the leadership of Premier and our Deputy Premiers, who have generously given KAA grants through the years.
“Last year, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg approved a 1-to-1 matching grant, which means that the state government gives KAA RM1 for every ringgit received through donations and fundraising efforts,” she said.
Dr Chen hoped the Sarawak government would continue to give strong financial support to KAA in the years to come.
