Curtin Volunteers! hand over RM13,500 to PCAM

Miri – 18 March 2013 – The Curtin Volunteers! (CV!), the largest student-run organisation at Curtin University, Sarawak Malaysia (Curtin Sarawak), handed over donations amounting to RM13,500 to Palliative Care Association Miri (PCAM) on Friday.

The donations were raised from corporate sponsors, guests and well-wishers during a fundraising dinner held in conjunction with the CV!’s 10th Anniversary celebration late last year.

Speaking at a simple cheque presentation ceremony at the Curtin Sarawak campus, Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor of Curtin Sarawak, Professor Dr. Ir. Yudi Samyudia, said he was impressed with the CV!s spirit of volunteerism and charity.

“The activities you have carried out over the past ten years, including fundraising events, awareness campaigns, blood donation drives and the annual John Curtin Weekend, have made a tremendous impact on the local community.

“To the members of Palliative Care Association Miri here today, I salute you for your dedication to your work,” Professor Samyudia said.

He added that it took people of extraordinary character to do what the PCAM members do, particularly as their work is voluntary and their services are provided at no cost to their patients.

“You are shining examples of love and caring in our society,” he pointed out.

Meanwhile, CV! president Antonina Chai said the total amount raised from the anniversary dinner was well beyond the CV!s’ expectations. She thanked all the donors for their kind contributions, saying that the funds will be put to good use by PCAM.

She added that the CV! was fortunate to work with a non-profit organisation like PCAM.

Summarising the relationship between the CV! and PCAM, she said it was not just a meeting of two passionate organisations, but the start of a long-lasting bond of friendship.

“It was indeed an exciting journey working with PCAM,” she remarked.

Present to receive the donation was coordinator of PCAM, Jacqueline Buri.

The PCAM recently established a permanent centre providing palliative care services to members of the community and families who are dealing with chronic diseases and life-threatening illnesses.

The Curtin Sarawak CV! is the Malaysian chapter of Curtin Volunteers!, Australia’s first and largest student-run volunteer organisation established in 1994, and a significant contributor to campus life at the university’s campuses in Australia and internationally, as well as to their local communities and the environment.

Its vision is to create community-minded citizens and its mission is to provide opportunities for personal and professional development and encourage education through experience. Its volunteers create and support community initiatives which are mutually beneficial and seek to build bridges locally and internationally.

Curtin Sarawak’s Curtin Volunteers! is the largest and one of the most active student volunteer organisations at the Curtin Sarawak campus. Since its inception in 2002, it has been assisting Curtin students, staff, and the wider community in Miri to experience the many benefits of volunteerism.

Professor Yudi Samyudia impressed with CV!’s spirit of volunteerism and charity.

CV! president Antonina Chai said it was an exciting journey working with PCAM.

PCAM coordinator Jacqueline Buri.

Group photo following the cheque presentation ceremony.