Liew (fifth left), flanked by Ting (on her right) and Koh, with the rest of the LASS delegation displaying the carnival’s promotional poster.
KOTA KINABALU: The Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry (KePKAS) has expressed support for the forthcoming Cultural Music & Dance Carnival : Back to School organised by the Kota Kinabalu Lions Ambulance Service Society (LASS) for a worthy cause.
Its Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew said the event is in aid of KK LASS which is a voluntary organisation dedicated to providing free, round-the-clock ambulance service to patients across Kota Kinabalu.
“I understand that over the past 15 years, the Society has saved more than 10,000 lives and supported countless families in times of emergencies.
“KePKAS will make a contribution to the carnival in recognition of its role in raising the much-needed funds for Kota Kinabalu LASS’s laudable mission.
“I call on benefactors and the general public to patronise the carnival for a noble cause,” she said after receiving a courtesy call by a delegation from the Society led by its Chairman Thomas Ting Shu Kiong on Wednesday.
Ting, who is also Past President of the Lions Club of KK Lintas, said the Society was formed by members of the Lions Clubs in Kota Kinabalu and its surrounding areas, and officially registered in 2010.
Briefing the Minister, Past District Governor (District 308-A2) Karen Koh of the Lions Club of Tanjung Aru said Kota Kinabalu LASS aims to raise RM300,000 through the sale of tickets for the carnival, and donations from philanthropists, the corporate sector and well-wishers, among other potential donors.
“We operate four ambulances, with an annual operating cost of RM300,000. We have a team of qualified and well-trained personnel on board,” she said.
Lions Club of KK Mandarin’s Medical Committee Chairman Dr Wah Hai Sit mooted the idea of setting up a free ambulance service in 2007. He dismissed the perception that LASS was duplicating the role of other ambulance service providers, saying “On the contrary, our Society complements the services of the State Health Department and other non-government bodies.”
Carnival Organising Chairperson Lim Wuang Ching, who is the Charter President of Lions Club of Luyang ACE, said the event will be held on October 12 at the Kian Kok Middle School Hall from 1.30pm to 4.30pm. It is a collaborative effort by 16 Lions Clubs, according to her.
Also present were Ranau Lions Club President Channon Chai, Lions Club of KK Sutera Past President Judy Wong, Lions Club of KK Capital Past President Mary Pang, Lions Club of KK Central Past President Jackson Tseu and Sharon Chin, a member of the Lions Club of Tanjung Aru.
For more information, call Wuang Ching (012-5678599) or Judy (012-8222862).
