Treasure hunt to raise funds for kids with Down syndrome
Children from Kiwanis Down Syndrome Foundation performing at the pre-launch of the Kiwanis Motor Treasure Hunt in Petaling Jaya. —Photos: MUHAMAD SHAHRIL ROSLI/The Star
THE annual Kiwanis Motor Treasure Hunt by Kiwanis Club of Kuala Lumpur (KCKL) is heading to the beach for its 42nd edition.
This year's event will take participants from Petaling Jaya, Selangor, to Tanjung Bungah, Penang, from July 26 to 28.
Held since 1984, it is unofficially the 'longest running motor treasure hunt event' in the country, said organising chairman Joanne Sin.
'Last year, we managed to raise RM350,000. This year's target is RM400,000.
'Proceeds from the treasure hunt will go towards supporting Kiwanis Down Syndrome Foundation's (KDSF) Early Intervention Programme and therapies for children with Down syndrome aged six months to six years.
Lim (right) with Sin at the pre-launch event.
'The KDSF vision is to create equal opportunity and a healthy learning environment that removes all labels to allow children with Down syndrome to have a fair chance in education and be able to attain their fullest potential.'
Sin said the non-governmental organisation had raised RM310,000 from sponsors, on top of collections from donations and advertisement space sales in the souvenir programme.
She was speaking at a pre-launch event at KDSF National Centre in Petaling Jaya.
Kampung Tunku assemblyman Lim Yi Wei, who was present, praised the initiative.
Sin says KCKL has raised RM310,000 from sponsors, on top of collections from donations and advertisement space sales.
'This treasure hunt also serves as a platform for raising awareness, building community and celebrating these individuals,' said Lim.
Founded in 1989, the national centre offers services such as sensory integration intervention, autism movement therapy, rhythmic movement training and water-specific therapy.
Over 2,000 children have benefitted from KDSF's programmes to date.
KCKL president Chan Kin Hou said operating costs increased in recent years, while fundraising has become more challenging.
'Our annual operating costs of around RM1.2mil covers therapy services, educational programmes, facilities and staff.'
Sin said the three-day treasure hunt promised to be 'a brain-teasing adventure and community bonding experience'.
Chan says the annual operating costs of RM1.2mil covers therapy services, educational programmes, facilities and staff.
She added that they plan to step up the treasure hunt's challenges.
It will start at KDSF National Centre on July 26 and finish in Penang on the same day.
The winners will be announced the next day, followed by a prize-giving dinner and family oriented activities.
A total of 24 teams have signed up, with 36 slots still available.
Registration closes on July 4 or when all slots are filled up.
Entry fees are based on the room arrangement at Hotel Mercure Penang in Tanjung Bungah.
For details and registration, visit bit.ly/KTH42entryform
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