Charities receive proceeds from Curtin Sarawak Open Day

Miri – 10 December 2014 – Seven local charities received a total of RM9,800 in donations from Curtin University, Sarawak Malaysia (Curtin Sarawak) yesterday.

The charities were the Mental Health Association of Sarawak, National Autism Society of Malaysia, Palliative Care Association of Miri, Sarawak Children’s Cancer Society, Human Life Service, Piasau Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) and Sarawak Family Planning Association. They were among the non-governmental organisations that took part in its eighth Curtin Sarawak Open Day on 20 September 2014.

The funds were proceeds from the sale of lucky draw tickets for the event, as well as donations from other participants and the university. Pro Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Professor Jim Mienczakowski presented the cheques to representatives of the charities at a cheque presentation ceremony held in the university’s Council Room.

In welcoming the representatives, Professor Mienczakowski remarked that the involvement of charities adds a significant dimension to the annual event, and Curtin Sarawak is committed to supporting local charities in any way it can.

He added that the Curtin Sarawak Open Day continues to be a huge success each year due to the strong support of the local community and new attractions will be introduced at next year’s event to make it even more interesting.

Echoing this, the chairman of Curtin Sarawak’s Open Day Committee, Corporate Communications Manager Nicholas Leong, said this year’s event attracted a record 9,005 visitors.

“We are very happy that we managed to attract more visitors, but the focus of the event is not about growing the number of visitors each year. It is more about connecting with the community and promoting educational opportunities for young people, and in this regard, we are glad the community sees the value in the event,” said Leong.

Also present at the ceremony were several members of the Open Day Committee.

Professor Mienczakowski and Leong (8th and 4th right) and committee members with representatives of the charities.