Walk for Hope in Senibong Cove

Walk for Hope in Senibong Cove last weekend created awareness for autism and raised funds in aid of Kiwanis Hope Garden, a training centre in Taman Johor Jaya for the intellectually disabled.

About 1,200 people took part in the Walk for Hope at
Senibong Cove, Johor Baru

Young autistic artist, Hanzhen Yap, worked with Front Concept Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary company of Walker Corporation, Sydney, and the developer of Senibong Cove to draw various species of creatures, from crustaceans and fish to insects and birds living in the mangroves.

Aware that mangrove forests are important for coastline protection against erosive wave action and strong coastal winds, and essential for the survival of the diverse species of flora and fauna that thrive here, the developer has a mangrove regeneration programme at the mangrove park reserve where the Lunchoo River meets the Straits of Johor.

This art project produced 28 sketches complete with interesting facts on each flora and fauna that were compiled and published in 2012 as a sketch book entitled, “River Biodiversity.”

The young artist, Hanzhen Yap [Centre] with his mother,
Yvonne Yap [Right] and brother, Zhihan Yap [Left] showing
off their medals, awarded for completing the walk

This set of sketches by the talented young artist is the inspiration and theme for the Walk for Hope organised by the developer to create awareness on the importance of river biodiversity and to promote special talent in autism.

Participants who bought tickets for the walk received a souvenir T-shirt printed with Hanzhen’s art, a souvenir medal for completing the walk, food and beverage vouchers and a chance to win prizes in a lucky draw.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to help Kiwanis Hope Garden equip their training centre and benefit the trainees,” said Senibong Cove Sales & Marking Manager, Foo Yee Chu, who explained that the Kiwanis Club of Johor Jaya had consolidated two care centres in Taman Saujana and Taman Johor Jaya into one new building.

She said all their staff were involved with organising and executing the event that attracted some 1200 registrations and it was an eye-opener for everyone to be aware of the needy in our community, in particular the intellectually disabled youths.

Kiwanis Hope Garden chairman, Anna Liew [Right]
receiving the gift cheque from Senibong Cove project
director, Quay Chew Keong [Left]

“I hope Senibong Cove will continue to partner us in future projects for our training centre,” said Kiwanis Hope Garden Chairman, Anna Liew, who received a gift cheque for RM50,000 from Senibong Cove Project Director, Quay Chew Keong.

Liew said their centre has 37 trainees at the moment and when their therapy rooms are fully equipped, the centre would be ready to accept more trainees who are autistic, slow learners, hyper-active or suffer from mild mental retardation.

The training centre is a sheltered workshop where trainees are guided with special education, living skills as well as vocational skills to lead more meaningful and independent lives.

Kiwanis Hope Garden, a 3-storey training centre situated at Taman Johor Jaya, welcomes visitors and donors.  For appointments, Tel: 019 – 791 7919 and 016 – 770 9473.

A version of this was published in The Malaysian Insider on 26 Oct 2015