This was my brainchild. A carnival that groups 8 deserving NGOs in a wholesome community food, games and entertaiment in aid of their services to the needy. We had the celebrities, corporate figures and community leaders to join hand in selling coupons to raise fund for the NGOs.
Penang Friends Carnival helps raise funds for 8 charitable organisations 29 Jan 2008
It was a fun filled day as families and friends participated in Penang Friends Carnival, a community outreach initiative by CIMB Bank to help raise funds for eight (8) charitable organisations in the state. The charitable organisations are Penang Deaf Association, St. Nicholas School for The Blind, Persekutuan Kebajikan Anak-Anak Yatim Islam Pulau Pinang, Ramakrishna Ashrama, Persatuan Kanak-Kanak Cerebral Palsy (Spastic) Pulau Pinang, Little Sisters of the Poor, Women's Welfare Council of Penang, and Eden Handicapped Service Centre Berhad.
The carnival was officially opened by Yang di-Pertua of Penang, Tun Dato' Seri Utama Haji Abdul Rahman Haji Abas, accompanied by his wife, Toh Puan Dato' Seri Utama Hajjah Majimor Shariff. Also present at the event were Penang Chief Minister, Tan Sri Dr. Koh Tsu Koon, Penang Deputy Chief Minister, Dato' Seri Haji Abdul Rashid Abdullah, Group Chief Executive of CIMB Group, Dato' Nazir Razak and his wife, Datin Azlina Aziz.
"Through the carnival, we hope to raise more awareness for the 8 charities, as well as the people whom the charities represent," said Dato' Nazir in his speech. Funds raised at the carnival will be equally divided amongst the eight organisations. "Our strong ties to the state have led us to make a concerted effort to reach out to the community, and give back to the people of Penang."
Penang Friends Carnival also aims to inculcate the spirit of volunteerism and caring amongst the public. "The activities we have designed for the carnival will give visitors a chance to know more about people less fortunate than themselves and to better empathise with them," added Dato' Nazir.
Visitors were also treated to a free concert featuring popular artistes like Suki, winner of the One in A Million contest and Dina, a Malaysian Idol finalist. The food and drinks booths were amongst the most popular as they featured some of Penang's famous dishes. Admission to the carnival was free and visitors used coupon booklets of RM10 each to purchase food, drinks and participate in the activities. The carnival was held from 10am to 7 pm. 
