Enabling NGOs to do more

STAR Foundation renewed its steadfast commitment to driving impactful change within underserved and marginalised communities through contributions worth about RM45,000 to three non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

Since its inception, the foundation has disbursed over RM20mil to more than 360 NGOs, ranging from health to education and social welfare.

These contributions serve to support causes while ensuring help is given to individuals and communities in need.

Machine for dialysis patients

The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) Malaysia focuses on advancing kidney care and kidney management.

Orkids enriches the lives of special needs individuals by providing education and training opportunities.

NKF chief executive officer Khor Xin Yun said the thrust of the organisation’s efforts lies in treatment provisions, particularly haemodialysis, which heavily relies on machines.

“Haemodialysis, a vital aspect of the foundation’s services, comes with substantial financial implications.

“The high capital needed to maintain the machines as well as our haemodialysis services are one of the biggest challenges we face.

Presenting RM20,000 to Khor at National Kidney Foundation’s head office.

“We are thankful to donors such as Star Foundation for helping us acquire these machines.”

The RM20,000 from Star Foundation will be channelled towards acquiring a Far Infrared Therapy Machine for one of NKF’s 29 dialysis centres.

The device will serve 24 dialysis patients at NKF’s Chempaka centre in Petaling Jaya by enhancing blood flow during treatments and reducing blood clot-related risks.

Beneficiaries typically undergo four-hour dialysis sessions three times a week.

“We are developing diverse programmes to effectively assist those at greater risk of kidney disease or kidney failure,” said Khor.

NKF has impacted over 6,000 patients in over 50 years of operation.

In 2015, Star Foundation donated a dialysis machine worth RM45,000 to NKF, which is still being used at Pusat Dialisis NKF-Yayasan Pembangunan Keluarga Darul Ta’azim in Permas Jaya, Johor Baru. It has been used for about 8,000 sessions.

Laptops for digital learning

Staying true to its commitment to the education of vulnerable communities, Star Foundation gifted four laptops worth nearly RM15,000 to Persatuan Kebajikan Anak-Anak Istimewa Selangor (Orkids).

Centre coordinator Sri Rahayu Samsudin said that over 15 individuals aged 15 and above with Down Syndrome would benefit from the donation.

She said Orkids ensured that every student could gain access to digital technology and the curriculum was designed to equip students with essential software skills while boosting their communication and presentation proficiency.

“We intend to broaden the scope of our training opportunities beyond conventional vocational skills such as baking and laundering that are currently in place.

“Today, fluency in digital technology is paramount as not only can it enrich students’ daily lives but also open doors to future career opportunities.

“The laptops will not just benefit the children but also teachers executing these programmes.”

In 2017, Star Foundation donated RM25,000 for a multifunction room used for occupational therapy services at the Petaling Jaya centre.

It enabled beneficiaries to develop fine motor skills, master basic life skills and cultivate positive behaviours.

Care for the elderly

Star Foundation also extended help to Pusat Jagaan Rumah Orang-Orang Tua (PKK) Simee based in Ipoh, Perak.

A donation of five LED TV sets valued at about RM10,000 replaced the centre’s second-hand LCD ones.

PKK Simee chairman Vincent Lee said the new smart TVs helped provide entertainment and mental stimulation to the home’s 39 residents who ranged in age from 66 to 99.

“The old television sets had been used for over 10 years and were displaying signs of wear and tear with some either lacking sound or visuals.”

Star Foundation had previously contributed nearly RM50,000 to the organisation which provides shelter to homeless and abandoned seniors.

Last year, seven seniors received the gift of mobility via a donation of wheelchairs.

Established in 2004, Star Foundation is the charitable arm of Star Media Group which aims to deliver meaningful initiatives with lasting outcomes to diverse groups of beneficiaries.

For details, visit starfoundation.com.my