Bandar Seri Begawan - A total of $24,400 was raised in the recently concluded Charity Expo 2012, organised by the Youth and Sports Department with JDG Charitable Association. The collection was handed over to the various charitable organisations and the Brunei Belia Prihatin Fund, yesterday.

The guest of honour who handed over the funds was Datin Paduka Hjh Adina binti Othman, Acting Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports.

The Brunei Belia Prihatin Fund received 50 per cent of the total collection ($12,200), while the remaining funds were presented to four other charitable organisations namely Pusat Ehsan, SMARTER Brunei, KACA and Pusat Bahagia. Each received $3,050.

The event was managed by Adison Marketing Services and attracted more than 10,000 visitors at the Indoor Stadium, which was held on October 27 and 28.

Mr Jackson Ting, Chairman of JDG Charitable Association, in his speech yesterday said, "The response from the public showed good signs that the local community has a high awareness on people with special needs and contributes to them. The project also acts as a mechanism of social responsibility towards unity and harmony within the community and nation."

Meanwhile, Awg Hj Abdul Malik bin Hj Mohammad, Acting Director of the Youth and Sports Department in a separate speech said, "The Charity Expo 2012 is the first of its kind with cooperation between the department and the Chinese charity organisation in the form of social economy.

"Previously, the department and the association successfully implemented the Kasih Belia Project, a project based on volunteerism.

"The cooperation is a positive step in developing volunteer programmes in Brunei Darussalam," he added.

In addition to the presentation of donations, Datin Paduka Hjh Adina also presented certificates of appreciation to those involved in the Charity Expo.

--Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin