KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 22: A longtime volunteer with Persatuan Pengasih Malaysia (Pengasih) Datuk Kamisah Mohd Nor, 69, is holding a two-day charity art exhibition to raise funds for the drug treatment and rehabilitation centre.
“I started volunteering at Pengasih after visiting a friend here. I was given a tour…I saw most of the residents were young people and it opened my heart to help,” the former restaurant owner told Bernama.
Kamisah, affectionately known as ‘Mama’ among the residents, has been a volunteer at the centre for 12 years, preparing food, holding motivational workshops, counselling and hosting multiple charity events.
Her latest endeavour is the charity art exhibition with the theme ‘Kemunculan’ (Emergence) at Rumah Damai, Jalan Syers, here, starting yesterday.
“I’m not a professional painter and only paint in my free time. I normally paint to gift my friends and have never sold them. This exhibition is the first time I am selling my works, made with love,” she said, adding 50 per cent of the sales of her 20 abstract paintings will go to Pengasih.
Meanwhile, Pengasih president Hafizi Harun said the exhibition marks their relocation from Bukit Tunku to Kompleks Pengasih Cinta Manis, their new premises in Bentong, Pahang after more than 30 years operating from the capital, adding the move will take place on Dec 14.
He said Pengasih needs additional funds of between RM200,000 and RM300,000 to complete the facilities at the complex that can accommodate about 200 people.
“We still need a multipurpose hall, a clinic, furniture, kitchen equipment and utensils,” he said, adding that they also need financial help to cover the relocation and operation costs.
Hafizi said Pengasih has been helping nearly 2,000 clients since 1993, hoping the move could enhance their services to benefit those in need.
Those interested to know more about the charity event can log on to www.pengasih.asia or visit Pengasih Instagram and Facebook page.
— BERNAMA