BEC group makes historic Merdeka visit to old folks home

It was Merdeka Day and an auspicious day for a BEC group to make a visit to the Little Sisters of the Poor (LSP) in Batu Lanchang Road to celebrate the nation’s 61st independence day.

BEC Area Group 4 (BAG4) in Tanjung Bungah, under the jurisdiction of the Church of the Immaculate Conception, mooted this idea of a visit to the home as part of their outreach programmes and share the blessings which God had bestowed on them.

BAG4 coordinator of the event Paul Fletcher said the committee decided to make this trip to the LSP on Merdeka Day, which received the support of everyone present and also the blessings of Sr Marie Jeanne of the LSP.

“The committee planned the programme to include distributing food, a singalong with residents of the home, fellowship and, most of all, to celebrate the independence of our country.

“A donation drive was conducted and we received overwhelming response in cash and kind from our members and soon, we had collected more than what was required.

“After purchasing food, drinks, mini Merdeka flags and sundries, we still had a balance of RM600 which was donated to the home,” said Paul.

The donation was presented to Sr Marie Jeanne who was the LSP coordinator for the event, by BEC coordinator Jillian Theseira and her assistant Dorothy Ong.

More than 40 residents of the LSP joined the 40 BAG4 members for a singalong of patriotic songs, hymns and oldies with guitarists Michael Gregory, Francis Ooi, Philip Chye and Tom Neville Thomasz on his harmonica.

The hall of the LSP was a scene of merriment and gaiety.

Sr Marie said, “I believe it was the first time that a BEC group has visited this home for a get together with the residents. I was delighted when Paul called me to ask if the BAG4 could visit us during Merdeka Day and I was thrilled to arrange the programme with Paul and Jillian.

“It was a busy day for the residents as we had a few events lined up for the day and the visit by the BEC fitted in nicely.

“As you can see, the residents love to join in the singing and dancing, making this Merdeka Day a memorable and happy occasion for everyone present.”

She also said the BAG4 was always welcome to visit the home whenever they want as part of their outreach programme.

Paul added that everyone worked hard to make the event a success. It was a collective effort which everyone involved should be proud of.

“The BAG4 recently distributed free food packages to the homeless in the streets of George Town at night, visited old folks homes during Christmas and other festive ocasions, conducted home visits of sick members and raised funds for the needy within the group.”

Article reproduced from Herald Malaysia online