THE SS2 park in Petaling Jaya was a hive of activity on Aug 27 when it became the site for the SS2 Cares Carnival held as part of the National Day celebrations. The event, organised by SS2 residents, the Beautiful Gate centre for the disabled and NGOs, featured a lion dance as well as jazz and line dancing performances.
Generous donors sponsored prizes for the children’s art competition and the karaoke contests for children and adults. Although participants were charged entry fees, many were supportive of the contests as the entry fees collected were later donated to Beautiful Gate.
A jovial mood prevailed throughout the carnival as people cheered for their family members who took part in the competitions. A total of RM340 was raised from the collection of the entry fees. The donation amount rose by RM650 when several winners in the karaoke contests decided to donate their prize money towards the cause.
Initially, second runner-up in the children’s karaoke contest, Sim Cheau Yoong, 10, decided to give half of her RM100 prize money to Beautiful Gate. Upon seeing Sim’s generous act, the winners in the adult section of the contest, Chen Wei Hong, Christy Lim and Chan Lai Ngoh, followed suit and donated all their prize money which totalled RM600.
Also present at the carnival was members of the Global Environment Centre (GEC), an NGO out to educate the public on environmental awareness.
GEC also promoted the need for a greener city and sold shrubs and saplings at its booth.
“Tonight is a continuation of our National Day that we started earlier,” said Damansara Utama assemblyman Lim Choon Kin in reference to a flag giveaway programme held the week before.
Stalls at the carnival were mostly manned by residents of Beautiful Gate selling handicraft and other wares while the night’s entertainment was provided by SS2 residents and NGOs.
“All in all, such events help everyone in the neighbourhood to cultivate a love for one another and the country. Today’s event wouldn’t have been possible if residents didn’t have that spirit,” said Lim.