RM6,000 gift for children's home in JB
The Star (by Marsha Tan)
29th December, 2003

Children at the Sari Saujana Handicapped Children Home in Johor Baru had a delightful suprise when they were treated to a sumptuous lunch and received educational games as gifts. Members of Business Network International (BNI) also donated RM6,000 to the home to help with its daily expenses.

BNI southern regional director Camelia Yaacob said it was the first time the organisation had given to charity since its Johor branch was set up three years ago.

"Most people have the stereotypical thought that business people are only interested in profits and are money-minded.

"By doing our part for charity, we want to show we are not just a business organisation but one that does its pan for society and the community at large," said Camelia.

Camelia said there were 170 members in the organisation in Johor, adding that the members decided to make donations to charity as an annual event.

She said that BNI was a business referral Organisation, which met weekly and acted a platform for members to make contacts and referrals to widen their circle of contacts.

The children home's founder Siti Sariah Sariman expressed gratitude to BNI for its donation.

"I am happy that BNI chose us to make its first donation and hope many other homes will benefit from BNI's generousity," said Siti.

Siti dedicated her life to helping others when she came to Johor Baru in 1986. She was previously in Kuala Lumpur serving as a Wanita Umno branch chief.

When she moved south, she became involved in charity work for four years as a volunteer in various homes and day care centres set up by associations. She then opened a restaurant selling Malay and Thai food.

However, she later gave up her restaurant and opened her home for handicapped and homeless children.

Starting with only six children two years ago, the home now has 15 children, some of whom are orphans, spastic or suffering from Down Syndrome.

Siti can be contacted at 019-760 5513.

Those interested in joining BNI can contact Camelia at 012-787 6669.