
On the 18th of December 2020, the Leo Club of St Joseph’s Private School had a joint project with McDonald’s Tabuan Jaya visiting an orphanage, PERYATIM (Lembaga Kebajikan Anak-Anak Yatim Sarawak) which is a non-governmental organisation. What is Christmas? Christmas is not all about exchanging glamorous gifts; but it is the season of spreading love and appreciation among one another. That being said, the theme for this project was, “Christmas party at PERYATIM”. Three days before the visit, Leo President Xavier Liao, Leo Vice President Rachelle Jo, Leo Vice Secretary Andrea Wong, and Leo Megan Lee prepared a total of 106 presents for the children at PERYATIM, under the guidance of Faculty Advisor Mr John Yap. Much effort had been put into this project to ensure it was a success.
On the day of the visit, at 1:45 p.m, Faculty Advisor Mr John, Leo Advisor Lion Helena Lim, Leo Rachelle Jo, Leo Andrea Wong, Leo Zoey Sim, Leo Marcus Kon, Leo Oliver Jong, Leo Filicia Wong, Leo Eunice Wong and Leo Natalie Song arrived at PERYATIM with a very warm welcome by 103 children. We were greeted with a meaningful speech by Mr Nurie Hadi bin Latip, the complex manager of PERYATIM followed by speeches of gratitude from the organising chairperson, Leo Rachelle Jo and President of Lions Club of Kuching City, Lion Roger Ting.
After the speeches, a few games were carried out involving every child. Christmas carols were played during the games while the children sang along with great enthusiasm. Shortly after the games session, approximately 120 boxes of McDonald’s Happy Meals sponsored by McDonald’s Tabuan Jaya were distributed to the children and the remaining staff as well as Leos there during the activity. Educational workbooks were also given to children between eight and twelve years of age. Right after that, a 6kg gigantic birthday cake sponsored by Taka Patisserie was brought in to celebrate the birthday of 14 children who were born in the month of December.
Towards the end of the party at 3:30 p.m, the Christmas gifts were given away to the children. It was without a doubt, a delightful moment where we saw the smiles on the children’s faces as they unwrapped their gifts. The session proceeded with 10 stationery gifts in the form of a lucky draw sponsored by Sam Fah Enterprise (M) Sdn. Bhd.
Ultimately, the Christmas party ended with the singing of Christmas carols and photos were taken to be kept as memory. The Leos waved goodbye to the children and returned to school. It was certainly a memorable and unforgettable experience not only to the Leos, but also to the children at PERYATIM. We look forward to visit them again in the near future.
• Andrea Wong