KUCHING: One hundred and twenty-one autistic students of Kuching Autistic Association (KAA) and their parents attended the “Love-In-A-Box” programme here at the KAA Learning and Day Care Centre yesterday.
The programme was graced by the State Economic Development Corporation (SEDC Sarawak) chairman Datuk Amar Abdul Aziz Husain.
The “Love-In-A-Box” programme is an annual charity programme organised by SEDC and its subsidiaries for all children with disabilities and orphanages around Kuching.
Abdul Aziz explained that the programme was first conceived as part of the corporation’s CSR programme in the hope of giving back to the communities.
“This morning, our aim is to bring a little bit of happiness and cheer to the young members of the association who deserve to be happy, just like the rest of their peer groups,” he said in his speech.
He explained this year’s Christmas “Love-In-A-Box” programme was held for the first time at KAA and that the charity programme was also held every festive season at various associations’ centres.
“The donations we give to the children are usually in the form of cash and materials for their school supplies,” he explained.
“This season is also a time of caring, sharing and giving. Therefore, the presents and goodies that we have prepared for the children may not be much but we hope that these will bring a lot of smiles to their faces and warm their hearts.
“We hope this programme will allow us to get closer to the community. Apart from this kind of event, we will look for better ways to serve the local communities and to engage those who are less privileged, especially in areas where they need us the most,” he said.
Abdul Aziz (centre) with SEDC Deputy general manager Rakayah Hamdan (on his right) and KAA president Datuk Dr Yao Sik Chi (on his left) with the teachers and children of KAA. 
Abdul Aziz presenting Christmas gifts to children of KAA as SEDC deputy general manager Rakayah Hamdan (left) and KAA president Datuk Dr Yao Sik Chi (right) look on. 
Abdul Aziz presenting Christmas gifts to children of KAA as SEDC deputy general manager Rakayah Hamdan (left) and KAA president Datuk Dr Yao Sik Chi (right) look on. 
Abdul Aziz presenting Christmas gifts to children of KAA as SEDC deputy general manager Rakayah Hamdan (left) and KAA president Datuk Dr Yao Sik Chi (right) look on.
