Christmas party for the underprivileged kids

From the local Star newspaper:

By LIM CHIA YING

A MORE meaningful Christmas is of course spreading a bit of joy and cheer to those less privileged.

On that note, the Church of Divine Mercy (CDM) Shah Alam threw a Christmas party for some 280 children from 13 homes in Klang Valley last Sunday.

Happy meals: The kids had plenty of reason to smile thanks to the McDonalds lunch set.

Kids from the church were given the chance of acting as hosts and hand out presents to the less fortunate children.

Event organizing chairman Eric Ng, who is also the CDM Parish finance committee assistant chairman, it was the first time the church was organising such an event.

“We want our children to know that they are lucky and should be thankful for what they have, as there are children out there who have less and are neglected,” said Ng.

From the smile on the home children's faces, it was evident that they were having a good time, enjoying their McDonald meals and chatting away with the others.

Having fun: The kids were seen chatting with each other and having a good time.

“The turnout is overwhelming, more than we expected. We are really delighted that so many could come,”

“About 300 children and 400 volunteers took part from our side,” said Ng.

During lunch, the CDM English Choir provided entertainment by singing some popular Christmas carols such as 'Joy to the World', 'Hark Herald the Angels Sing', and 'Tis the Season to be Jolly'.

Ng said the CDM children had bought the gifts themselves and sent it to the church for wrapping.

“No child will go back empty-handed as each one of them will receive a present..”

Among the homes invited to the party included Rumah Keluarga Kami, Kajang; Taman Sri Muda; Persatuan Penjagaan Kanak-Kanak Cacat Klang; Shekem Home Shah Alam; Rumah Kebajikan Rita; Pusat Jagaan Anak Sivam Klang; Sri Begonia Community, Bandar Puteri Puchong; Shelter Home for Children PJ; Rumah Kanak-Kanak Triniti Selangor; and Precious children Home PJ.

CDM Parish Priest Rev Fr. Paulino Miranda, said the reason for choosing CDM children to play host was to make them realise not all children are very lucky and to instil in them the spirit of giving and sharing.

“We want them to learn the meaning of giving . When we want to have a party, we should think of those who do not have so much to celebrate,” he said.