CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

So, instead of just sending toys or giving cash donations, the team members decided to organize an outing for the children.

This event took place in July 2012. ASA PJ staff members and also a number of ASA students who were back during the summer break participated in this meaningful activity. Everyone gathered one Saturday morning. Of course all of them woke up early; sacrificing their sleep. The office was closed for that day. We set aside businesses and our personal commitments and went to a nearby shopping centre – One Utama, to extend our love to a group of orphans. The orphans travelled from Puchong to join the ASA team for breakfast at McDonalds. Everyone had an enjoyable time; laughing, playing, singing and dancing. It was fun indeed, not just for the children but also the team members.

One of the team members said, “I feel so happy being with these children. The feeling of giving is so ‘enriching’ and it really isn’t difficult to give. We should continue this effort, no matter how busy we are. The sacrifices are worthwhile!”

After the fun and games, each team member or student took two orphans to spend more personal time with them. The children were also given RM50 each for shopping. They could buy either (i) something for practical use (ii) something to read (iii) something to play with or cuddle; or (iv) something nice to wear.

Team members and students took this opportunity to educate the children about the value of money and how to spend wisely with the allocated budget. The close interaction went a long way in showing love to the children.

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Every team member went home to look through their personal collections and brought a few of their own precious fluffy toys (in relatively ‘new’ condition) to give to the children. The team members felt that this gesture was a lot more meaningful than buying any ordinary toys for the children.

Family members, friends of ASA team and also ASA students also participated in this event. In the morning, the children came in with a real joyful mood for the Christmas party. They sang Christmas carols, played games and had a yummy KFC lunch.

“The children have not eaten a KFC meal for at least two years now. The last one was bought and sent to the orphanage by a bank” said a senior staff member of the orphanage. This was really sad to hear as something that anyone of us could afford quite easily was deemed a luxury to these children.

One of the children was only 2 years old. She was very quiet and shy when she first arrived. The warm hugs and kisses cheered her up, and she was happily singing after a short while. The children also got to watch a fun cartoon ‘Prophet Elijah’ with the team members.

At the end of the party, the children had a ‘Lucky Dip’ to decide which fluffy toy they could bring back with them. All of us had great time sharing love, joy, peace, and hope with the children that Christmas!

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Upon arrival, the children lined up for the movie ‘must haves’ - popcorn and coke, and a light meal. They also interacted with ASA team members and INTO staff members.

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The Institution decided to use the money to buy additional units of air-conditioners for the library to give their students a better study environment and to upgrade the computers for the students’ use.

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