Activities

Saving Lives Through Early Detection Charity Hi-Tea, Kuala Lumpur – 28 June 2007
By Dr Evelyn Ho

Avon Malaysia and the Breast Cancer Welfare Association (BCWA) were awarded a seed grant of US$ 15,000 from the Global Fundraising training conducted by Avon Foundation New York jointly with the American Cancer Society in 2006.

With this grant, the partners decided to raise funds to offer rural women the knowledge, information and skills regarding breast health and early detection of breast cancer and this effort culminated in the recent event, the Charity Hi-Tea in Shangri La Hotel, Kuala Lumpur on 28 June 2007.

Under the able leadership of the BCWA Patron, Yang Bahagia Puan Sri Datin Seri Dato’ Akmal Abdul Salam and the Organising Chairperson, Ranjit Kaur – the President of the BCWA and Deputy Chairperson, Nik Surina Suria and their team members, a highly successful event ensued.

Encik Mansoor Wan Abdullah, President of Avon Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam & Indonesia gave a welcome speech followed by the keynote address by the guest of honour, Yang Berhomat Datuk Dr Ng Yen Yen, Second Finance Minister of Malaysia.

The guests were thrilled by Celebrity Chef Wan, assisted by YB Datuk Dr Ng Yen Yen and Yg Bhg Puan Sri Datin Seri Dato’ Akmal Abdul Salam as he talked and they prepared under his guidance, an apple cake which did not require any eggs! Subsequently, his cakes which were baked during the event were auctioned off to raise funds. Chef Wan had on display his cook books – 60% of the proceeds of sale of his books at the event was contributed to the BCWA.

Comedian James Thor had the crowd in stitches with his antics as he made 5 “volunteers” perform song and dance in various languages. A band provided live music and towards the end of the event, YB Datuk Dr Ng showed the way and took to the dance floor with grace.

However it was not just all entertainment. Madam Haruko Nagayama, the “Walk around the World for Breast Cancer” Ambassador of HOPE from Japan shared her experience with breast cancer and touched many hearts in the audience. Subsequently she gave a Walk Around the World sash to Ms Tammy Tam, a breast cancer survivor from Malaysia. Tammy then shared her experience after breast cancer and the activities to enhance the lives of new survivors.

Ranjit Kaur also gave a report on the BCWA’s pilot project of low budget breast health workshop at grassroots level at Kampung Kenanga in Rawang, 3 March 2007. This successful pilot project would be the model on which many other rural communities throughout Malaysia will be reached with the funds raised at this charity hi-tea.

The “highlight” of the event must have been the announcement by Ranjit Kaur of the total amount raised at this event – a sum of RM127, 212.25!!

All at the tea party went home with an AVON goody bag, and winners of the lucky draw were each given a hamper of Avon products.

About Avon Walk Around the World for Breast Cancer
In October 2005 the Avon Foundation in the U.S. celebrated its 50^th anniversary supporting the mission to improve the lives of women, with a special focus on the breast cancer cause. Avon worldwide is joined together to mark this half century of philanthropy with an unprecedented series of global events that together create the unique Walk Around the World for Breast Cancer.

The celebratory Walk Around the World for Breast Cancer encompassed some 40 diverse Avon breast cancer events worldwide during September and October, which is international Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Events included walks, runs, rallies and performances that link together in a chain of action to support access to care and finding a cure for breast cancer.

Avon Walk for Breast Cancer continues.
Find out more here.

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BCWA Contact Details
5^th Floor Bangunan
Sultan Salahuddin Abdul Aziz Shah, 16 Jalan Utara, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Malaysia

Tel:603-79540133
Fax: 603-79540122
(Mon-Fri: 10am to 4pm)E-mail: bcwa@streamyx.com

Volunteer for the BCWA?
Breast cancer not only affects the patient. It also affects their families and love ones. The BCWA can help to provide support to all those in need.

If you would like to volunteer your services to the BCWA, please do not hesitate to contact us.