By GROWTH Community
KUCHING — The Lions Club of Kuching City and St Joseph’s Cathedral-based ministry GROWTH (Grow With The Handicapped) celebrated their annual joint Christmas Party on Saturday, 16 December 2023 at St John’s & St Lucy’s Conference Hall in the ACCPC building.
This year’s party was sponsored by the Lions Club of Kuching City and assisted by Leo Clubs of St Joseph’s Private School, SMK St Teresa and SM Lodge. It was attended by around 140 people, comprising members of GROWTH along with their family members, carers and volunteers together with Lions and Leo Club members.
Every year, GROWTH members look forward to this annual event with great anticipation as it is one of very few opportunities available for them to bring their special needs family members to a party and enjoy the fellowship, especially after a hiatus due to Covid-19.
The party started with thanksgiving Holy Mass at 10.00 am which was celebrated by Archbishop Simon Poh and concelebrated by Fr Nicholas Ng at the Holy Family Chapel, ACCPC. Then, all adjourned to the Conference Hall for the remainder of the programme. 26 special members of GROWTH received special gifts sponsored by the Lions and Leo Clubs.
The Vice President of Lions Club of Kuching City, Datu Dr Zulklifli Jantan was present to deliver a welcome speech on behalf of the President, Matthew Pham. The Organising Chairman, Past President Vincent Tan also delivered a speech, together with special remarks from Archbishop Simon Poh. A note of thanks was conveyed from the GROWTH community to all present, and delivered on behalf of Vice President of GROWTH, Augustina Balan. This was followed by games, dancing, and singing of Christmas songs.
Fr Stanley Goh, SJ joined later, and led grace before meal. All present were treated to a sumptuous lunch, and the event ended with a lucky draw. Special homemade Christmas cookies and homemade dhal rice porridge by Past Presidents Sheila Kho and Datin Juriah respectively, were also given out and distributed during lunch. The party lit up with many happy faces of the GROWTH community members.
GROWTH would like to extend heartfelt thanks to all members, families, carers, volunteers, the Lions Club of Kuching City and Leo Clubs of St Joseph’s Private School, SMK St Teresa and SM Lodge and wishes everyone a Blessed and Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
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