Dear Members,

On 28 November 2007, Wednesday, Henrick was invited to an exco meeting of the “New Century Lions Club of Kuching Emerald” (specifically for members below 35yrs of age), and learnt about their next rural outreach project – Kampung Empasak, about 45mins drive from Serian, which consists of 11 families (total 61 persons) who were displaced by the Batang Ai HydroDam project. They have also conducted a site visit on 18 Nov, and revealed that these displaced families live with very poor hygiene and sanitation. The resident polution is mostly made up of elderly folks and young children. Their plight was brought to the Lions Club’s attention by the local parish church.

This church will be organising a x’mas party on 20 Dec, thurs (public holiday), for about 120 children (under 12yrs old) from this village and 2 other villages in this region, and the Lions Club has initiated a donation drive for these chidren as well as for 11 families from Kpg. Empasak. Apparently the children from Kpg. Empasak no longer go to school as they were bullied out by other children, so the parish church organises a twice monthly class of sorts for these displaced children.

As SBAA has excess medicine from our first rural outreach project, and that some of the medicine had been repacked into smaller satchets (with valid shelf-life), we could put some of this to good use, following a medicine checklist and survey. Some supplements and basic care can be distributed during this x’mas gathering on 20 Dec, which can be a good opportunity for some of us from SBAA to go along for a day-trip survey. Meanwhile, the Lions Club is planning for a follow-up visit, tentatively on 20 Jan 2008 , Sunday, for a possible health screening, which we could contribute also.

Please let me know by this week if you are interested in going to Kpg. Empasak on 20 December. It’s a great opportunity to spread some Christmas spirit and end the year on a high note!

Regards,
Sereni
Chairperson of Social Activities
You are also invited to come along this Sunday 9 December 2007 for a survey trip. Carpool leaves at 7am at RH Plaza, returning before noon on the same day. Please RSVP by Friday 7 December by calling Henrick at 012 887 0555.