Early Christmas bash for special guests

THE annual Christmas party is the one occasion where Woo Shin Ek lets her hair down.

The usually shy 21-year-old could not contain her excitement as she moved to the beat of the music with others at the bash held at Cerebral Palsy (Spastic) Children’s Association of Penamg in Jalan Mesjid Negeri, Penang.

Friends of the Spastic Centre, led by Joseph Pragasam, belted out a medley of Christmas songs and upbeat tunes from the 1960s to 1980s to the delight of residents and guests.

Woo, who is wheelchair- bound, said she had been at the centre since the age of four.

“I love the Christmas party the most,” she said.

She was among 250 children, former students, caregivers, volunteers and well-wishers who attended the association’s early Yuletide celebration.

The children and guests enjoyed a wide spread of local favourites like satay, fried noodles, kuih and desserts.

(Standing, from third right) Lim, committee member Ramsun CH Ho, Ng, association treasurer Jenny Kam and Lai (seated left) with the children.

The highlight of the party was Santa Claus bearing Christmas gifts for the children after being delayed for about half an hour because of a “traffic jam at the North Pole.”

Squeals of delight broke out once the special-needs children and other guests spotted Santa Claus in his trademark red costume riding pillion on a superbike, which was among a convoy of five superbikes by members of the Penang-based Shark Bikers Club.

Receiving a present from Santa was Ahmad Lee, 21, who said he liked Santa Claus because “he is always funny, happy and likes giving gifts.”

His friend R. Vickneshwaran also called Vicky, 45, a former student at the centre, has been volunteering there for about six years now.

“Christmas is extra special because Santa Claus comes over to give us presents.

“I also enjoy the get-together with my friends, former teachers and caregivers.

“We enjoy the good food, laugh and have fun,” he said.

“On Christmas day, I usually go to church and then to my friend’s house for lunch,” he added.

Another former student, Ong Kah Kheng, 22, who loves dancing, said he too looked forward to the major festivals at the centre.

Association administrator V. Muthiah said the party was organised to celebrate the students, former students, parents, teachers, caregivers and donors.

“Last year, the event was held outside the association premises but this year, we decided to have it here on familiar ground so that parents and the children are not inconvenienced,” he said.

Association president Ng Fook On said the party was jointly organised by the association and Lim Lean Teng Foundation, which sponsored the party.

“We want everyone to enjoy this season of love and sharing,” said Ng.

Also present were association vice-president Vincent Lai and Lim Lean Teng Foundation board of governors’ chairman Lim Huck Chin.