Beach Cleaning Project with Orphans

On the 2nd of March 2013, LEO Club of Petaling Jaya Integrity (O) and LEO Club of INTI International University (O) carried out a joint project with the aim of cleaning up the shores of Sepang Gold Coast beach and to rid it of dirt, debris and rubbish. Two members of Leo Club of Kuantan (O), a newly-formed Omega LEO Club, were kind enough to join us and lend a helping hand. We decided to bring along orphans from Rumah Zatong so that they could spend a fun day at the beach.

Upon our arrival, we first gathered by the beach for a short briefing by LEO Brian Cheng, who gave us a warm welcome and explained the purpose of our activity. Within 20 minutes, we were ready to begin cleaning the beach. Spirits were raring high as black plastic bags and gloves were distributed to us all.

Being young and active, the children wasted no time in picking up rubbish along the stretch of beach and putting them into the black plastic bags carried by some LEOs without the slightest of complaints. We were soon done, and the children were allowed to engage in some beach-side games whilst food and drinks were prepared for them. Judging by their shouts of excitement and their laughter, they were having a lot of fun indeed.

Up-close of a child working with a LEO Member in cleaning up the beach

At 11.30 am, lunch was served. Upon finishing lunch, we took a short break before commencing a game of football. The children, girls and boys alike, played spiritedly, and the LEOs barely proved a match for them! After a group photo at 1pm, we were dispersed. Our objective of instilling a habit of cleanliness amongst the orphans was achieved.

People hard at work

 

After a hard day's work, all the children were treated to ice-cream, which they enjoyed very much!

Chinese New Year Marathon 2013

Chinese New Year Marathon is an annual event organized by LEO Club of INTI International University as part of our community service projects. This event marks the 5^th CNY marathon that the LEO Club of INTI International University has organized.

The aim of this event is to bring the joy of this festive season to the homes that we visited. The targeted homes were government funded old folks home or orphanages. We celebrated Chinese New Year with the children and senior citizens, offering comfort in the form of companionship and possibly daily necessities with the help from sponsors.

The term “marathon” literally meant that we went from home to home; marathon-like. Two buses were booked for this purpose, with each bus having a different route. Both buses made stops at different homes and finally met up in the final home where participants from both buses worked together in the final home to celebrate Chinese New Year with the children there. 

Usually, during this festive season, family and friends will gather for a reunion dinner and have long chats afterwards to catch up with each other and enjoy each other’s company. This would be followed by visitations to the homes of those elder than them to perform a ritual called “Bai Nian “where they do further catching up and chatting . Children usually get “ang pows” as a form of blessing from the elders.

Participants were gathered in front of Multipurpose Hall at approximately 8.00 a.m. on the 23^rd of February 2013 . The bus started its journey to the first home at 8.300 a.m. and we arrived our first home at 10.00 a.m.  Our first home was Persatuan Rumah Amal Murni Kajang which is a home for the disabled. We carried gifts, rice, food and drinks and etc that we got for them with the help from sponsors and participant fees.  We started off with Ice breaking session where we interacted with the residents at the home. This was followed by a moral dance session where we did a total of 8 songs with the addition of a common favourite , Chicken Dance , after we got a request from one of the residents. The Moral Dance received very good response from the residents. They joined in the fun by dancing and clapping along . Then, we had lunch with them. It was a touching moment as some of us knew that this was the last part of the program flow in the home and we have grown somewhat attached to our resident. We fed the residents and before it was time to bid farewell, we had a photograph session where the INTI LEOs were presented with a souvenir from the home. 

Interacting with the residents

A resident taking part in the moral dance

Group photo with Persatuan Rumah Amal Murni Kajang

We then proceeded to the second home , Rumah Charis for the Old Folks . We were divided into two teams. Some of us were sent to prepare tea time (sandwiches ) and the rest to interact with the old folks. This was followed by origami as well as moral dance session . We concluded the visit by having tea time together followed by a photography session.

A Grandma enjoying herself dancing wirh us!

Tea Break

 

Group photo with Rumah Charis residents

In Good Sheperds home , we listened to a brief talk from the person in charge about the organization and their objectives as well as how we can volunteer ourselves to help . We then interacted with their residents.

After another photography session , we began our journey back to INTI IU.  

Talk by representative from Good Shepherds Home

Fun photo outside the Home

LEO Fiesta 2013

The famous Chinese philosopher Confucius once said: "Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day, teach a man to fish and he will eat for a lifetime". At the LEO Club of INTI International University, we believe in helping people who work hard to overcome their difficulties and shortcomings to achieve their goals in life.

With that thought in mind, we organised our LEO Fiesta 2013, a two day-long night-market styled event aimed at raising funds for the Independent Living and Training Centre, Selangor. Held on the 6th and 7th of February and themed 'Vintage Romance', the event set the stage for some romantic, pre-Valentine's Day festivities. Many stalls were invited in to peddle their wares along the stretch well known as INTI's Hostel Street. Although most stalls sold food and drinks, there were also those selling clothes, handbags, accessories, and souvenirs.

Yummy Food on Sale

VIPs invited to attend the Opening Ceremony, held on the 6th, included Organising Chairperson Ms Xuan Ong, Club Advisor Mr Kwong, SAO Officers Mr Aland and Ms Florence,Club President Ms Ho Li Fen, INTIMA President Mr Tafara, and VP of Student Affairs Dr. Sia. All those who walked along the stalls were treated to  exciting and interesting entertainment, including hot, sizzly dances from the likes of Sabrina Mah and KPU, Traditional Chinese Music from INTI's Chinese Cultural Society, a rap session from Kelvesh and Friends, live music from Celist and the Mashed Potatoes, and many more. One celebrity performer invited was the talented violinist Mr Ken Lee, who entertained the audience with four invigorating songs. Crowd participation was encouraged in various eating and drinking sessions held at certain intervals during the night. At the end of the second night, the dance floor was opened and revelers partied the night away to music from DJ Taka.

Opening Ceremony with the VIPs

Ken Lee entertaining the audience

Food, fun and games aside, the event managed to raise RM 500 for the intended beneficiary, the Independent Living and Training Centre. The organising team of the event were exhausted at the end of two days but were very proud of the successful event.