World Walking Day, 2010.

On the 21st of November 2010, World Walking Day was carried out simultaneously across the country. In Penang, it was held at Padang Polo at Jalan Sepoy Line (Opposite Penang General Hospital). To encourage a healthier lifestyle, the Youth Cares members, managed to encourage a few participants to participate in this event organised by Nestlé.

On a Sunday morning, we woke up bright and early at 5.00am to meet up with the others around 6.30am. Once we were all gathered, we make our way to the t-shirt booth to collect our FREE T-SHIRT ( Thank you Nestlé!!!). After collecting the t-shirt, we quickly changed into our new bright green t-shirt! As warm up exercise, the organisers invited an aerobic instructor for the participants. The participants had an amazing and laughter filled aerobics session for a good half an hour.

After an exciting round of aerobics, the host of the day (who was funny and entertaining) explained to the participants of the rules and regulations of the walk. After the briefing session, we were all guided to the starting point. We started walking to the designated route after the horn was blown.

For the final 100m, participants were told to be creative with their walk, for example instead of walking normally, participants can try the moon walk or the Egyptian walk. The first 500 participants to reach the finish line, they were given a goodie bag (Nestlé products) and every participants were presented with a lucky draw ticket. Unfortunately, none of the Youth Cares members were lucky enough to win any prizes for the day. But, we could be considered lucky as we shared this event with our family members.

As you might have known by now, Nestlé was the main sponsor for the day. So, many booths carried Nestlé products but there were others as refreshments. Such as Milo, cereals like Honey Stars and Maggi noodles.

To warm down ourselves, we had the last aerobics session. After a good start to our Sunday morning, we headed back home!

Reported by,

Darshiini.

The Festival of Lights.

The Youth Cares carried out its recent charity program in conjunction with the Festival of Lights on the 7th of November 2010. This time, we held it at the Seri Cahaya, Batu Maung Home, as that was the only home available at such short notice. We were glad that almost all the contributors were able to attend this event.

Our crew arrived at the home at about 3.30 pm. As it was still nap time, most of the children were still sleeping while some have returned to their foster parents for the holidays. So, we had to wait for them to get up and freshen themselves for the evening prayers. Meanwhile, we enjoyed some light refreshments and Diwali cookies prepared by the home.**mmm.. delicious** At about 4.15, the kids were all awake and we were ready to start off with a short thanksgiving prayers.

After the prayers were over and everybody was getting their blessings from the caretaker, Mr.Vig (one of the donors) came up with a brilliant idea to have a 'on-the-spot-donation'. So, Swarna equipped with her trusted pink little cap, when around the room collecting extra donations. The amount didn't matter, it was the thought that count. At the end of the day, we donated more than we wanted initially to the home.

After the prayers it was time for the kids to have their tea time meal. While the kids were having their meal the elder contributors who were there for the occasion, started to give out small ‘ang pou’ packets which were prepared by the Youth Cares members for all the kids there. We also gave ‘ang pou’ packets to the senior citizens who lived there. We were all moved when we looked at all those happy faces when they received the ‘ang pou’ packets. But we were not the only one moved by it, the senior citizens were moved as well. They even looked shocked and at the spur of the moment, hugged one of our donors.

Later, we had a little chit-chat session with the kids along with a photo shoot session. Then we left the home with our hearts filled with satisfaction that we have done a good deed on a good day and ended our day beautifully at about 5.30 pm. After that we, the YC & family, went on to have our very own chit chat and tea session at a coffee house before everyone departs to their respective states or countries.

Sharing a festivity with your family members means a lot, but when you share it with the less fortunate, it has a greater meaning to it.

Report By,
Nithiya Shan & Team