Funds raised primarily from the Association for British Women in Malaysia (ABWM) Christmas Bazaar and other activities organised last year were distributed to 13 Malaysian charity organisations this week, on 17th May. ABWM, a voluntary associations founded in 1975, gave out a total of RM142,000 to the organisations listed below:

• PAWS Animal Welfare Society
• Desa Amal Jireh Children and Senior Citizens Home
• National Cancer Society Malaysia
• Breast Cancer Welfare Association Malaysia
• Women’s Aid Organisation
• Lighthouse Children’s Home
• Health Equity Initiatives
• Malaysian Conservation Alliance for Tigers
• Openhands Fellowship Girls Home
• Home of Peace Children’s Home
• Alliance of Chin Refugees
• Tasputra Perkim Centre for the Disabled

During a luncheon at the British High Commissioner (BHC)’s residence on the 17th of May, the Acting British High Commissioner to Malaysia, Paul Rennie, presented the cheques to the organisations.

The UK and Malaysia share a special bond, and for over forty years the ABWM have been a shining example of what that bond means in practice. The fundraising to support communities is part of it. I believe it is the great personal connections that are made which truly underpin the links between our two countries, and of which I am immensely proud
– Paul Rennie, Acting British High Commissioner to Malaysia,

ABWN charity coordinator Amber Oelofse noted that the donations helped make a big difference in the world: three young individuals obtained degrees/diplomas; refugee schools took in more students; 1300 refugees received mental health assessments and treatments; 600 stray animals found homes.

In addition, 450km of land in Pahang was protected from deforestation; children who have witnessed or were victims of domestic violence now receive therapy; and a therapy program was established for children diagnosed with cancer.