SIBU
10 SEPTEMBER 2023
The Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September saw the inaugural participation of the United Committee of Sibu Buddhist Association (诗巫佛教团体联谊筹委会) in GoBald 2023, the flagship awareness and fundraising campaign for Sarawak Children’s Cancer Society (SCCS), to raise funds to support children and families affected by childhood cancer in Sarawak.
A total of 27 Association members went bald at a satellite shave held this afternoon at the Sibu Shakyamurni Buddhist Association (净觉林). The Association collectively raised more than RM14,700 as at press time to ensure children fighting cancer receive comprehensive treatment, care and support to improve treatment outcomes.
SCCS President Rodney Wong (黄启庆) thanked the Association for partnering with SCCS in GoBald for the first time, highlighting that this is a testament to our community’s generosity and efforts in supporting the childhood cancer cause in Sarawak.
“Our GoBald campaign has been around since 2008. Hence, it is crucial for us to continue reaching out to external audiences in the various interest groups to disseminate information about childhood cancer. Engaging with new diverse interest groups can help foster greater awareness, dispel myths and reduce misconceptions of children and families dealing with cancer,” said Wong.
“We must reiterate that greater awareness is key to early detection, and this enables accurate diagnosis and comprehensive care to improve a child’s treatment outcome,” he added.
Originally conceived as an awareness campaign, GoBald has also become a signature fundraising platform for SCCS to broaden its spectrum of support. The funds raised from GoBald will contribute to providing vital resources and financial assistance to better support Sarawak’s childhood cancer community.
The non-profit organisation needs about RM2 million each year to sustain the provision of various essential services, supporting more than 150 affected families in a year. These services include providing medical and financial aid to families in need; offering accommodation, food and transportation at the Kuching halfway home to rural families undergoing active treatment; organising counselling sessions and recreational activities; sponsoring medical equipment not available in government hospitals; as well as providing care packs and monetary support to help new patients adapt to life in the ward.
Wong also expressed his gratitude to Danny Academy Hair Salon, one of the sponsors of GoBald 2023, for carrying out the shave.
Chairman of United Committee of Sibu Buddhist Association Dennis Lim (林添譹) led the shave for the Association. He shared that the Association’s participation in GoBald serves as an opportunity for members to cultivate generosity and compassion, which are virtues in line with the fundamental teachings of Buddhism.
“This is part of fulfilling our social responsibilities while making a meaningful contribution to alleviate the suffering of children and families affected by childhood cancer. Regardless of our religious beliefs and practices, I hope that everyone can stand in solidarity with these young cancer fighters and show them that they are not alone in this journey,” Lim added.
The annual GoBald campaign is one of the Society’s major funding resources, accounting for almost 50% of its annual expenses in 2022. To date, GoBald 2023 has raised more than RM860,000, with a total of 138 heads shaved.
Since 2001, SCCS has supported more than 1,600 families in Sarawak on their cancer-fighting journey, a milestone powered by public donations. Individuals or organisations who are interested in making a donation can contact SCCS at 082-686 276 or visit its website at www.sccs.org.my.
