MUFY Sharity Carnival raised thousands for charity

If we could just chip in and do our bit, even the smallest amount of money can make a significant difference in someone’s life. Last year, the annual Monash University Foundation Year (MUFY) Sharity Carnival raised RM11, 500 for the Society for the Severely Mentally Handicapped, Selangor & Federal Territory (SSMH).

Over a hundred MUFY students from all intakes joined forces and worked around the clock to raise funds for the SSMH society, a voluntary welfare organisation established and registered with the Registrar of Societies in 1984 with the objective of providing rehabilitation facilities to children and youths with severe mental and physical (multiple) disabilities in Selangor and the Federal Territory.

Cheque presentation – MUFY students and lecturers present the cheque to SSMH.

Andrew Teoh Poh Jian, one of the students who visited SSMH during the cheque presentation ceremony described his visit as an eye-opening experience, adding that this experience will make his dream of becoming a doctor much more meaningful. “It was my first time being with severely mentally handicapped children. Observing and interacting with them gave me a first-hand understanding of what life is like for children with this condition and what we can do to make life a little easier for them.”

MUFY lecturer in charge of the Carnival, Angie Ng Wee Koon, felt blessed to be given the opportunity to understand and help the children in SSMH.

Students getting henna tattoo on the Carnival.

“I’m glad I can play a part in giving a little help and a lot of love.”

Lee Thye Cheong, Director of MUFY said, “We organise these activities to raise awareness about the numerous needs of the community among our students and challenge them to play a part, no matter how small, in responding to these needs. This way, we can teach our students to pursue success that makes a difference in the lives of others.”

On the day of Carnival, people flocked the Energy Hub for a slice of excitement, the pulsating music combined with the voices of people clamouring for attention created a most exhilarating event atmosphere. Rows of tables were set up, on sale were a variety of food, drinks, fashion accessories, ornaments, collectibles and games.

MUFY students and lecturers put a lot of efforts in making “Class of Horror” a success.

The highlight of the event was the “Class of Horrors”. Students spent a lot of hours and effort to transform their classroom into a sinister maze of horror complete with “the walking dead”, vampires and a whole range of ghoulish creatures that would send a chill up any visitor’s spine. It was an instant hit for the day with long queues throughout the Carnival.

Prior to the event, coupons priced at RM10 per booklet were sold to members of the Sunway Education community and their friends. The entire team, led by the MUFY Student Council with the support of dedicated lecturers pooled their energy to publicise the charity event.

Apart from raising funds for the underprivileged, the annual Carnival also creates a platform for students to be aware and respond to the needs in their community. The charity Carnival also served as a platform to nurture communication, interpersonal, teamwork and leadership skills among students.