KUCHING: The Kuching Autistic Association (KAA) is appealing for support for its largest annual fundraising event, the Autism Food Fair 2025, which aims to raise RM350,000 this year.
Organising and fundraising chairperson Connie Yeo said the fair is more than just a fundraiser, but it is about giving hope and supporting lifelong care for individuals with autism.
“Autism is a lifelong condition. Many of our students require ongoing therapy, education, and life skills training.
“These services are expensive, and at KAA, we work hard to ensure no child is turned away because of cost,” she told a press conference held at their centre in Taman Desa Wira here today.
She further said students’ fees at the centre are heavily subsidised, resulting in an annual operating deficit of RM750,000.
“So every year we are looking for funds to cover our operational costs. Our costs are high because we have so many teachers, and we provide one-to-one teaching, therapy sessions and all the life skills training. It’s not like one teacher for 30 students,” she said.
She stressed that this year target of RM350,000 for the food fair is a critical goal — one that will allow them to keep the centre open, maintain programmes and ensure continuous student progress.
“In addition to the Autism Food Fair, we also organise two other fundraising events namely the Autism Run and an Art Exhibition,” she added.
She called upon on everyone from corporations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) small businesses, volunteers and individuals to join hands in supporting the cause.
“You can either set up a stall at the fair, help us sell our coupons at RM100 per book, sponsor or donate in kind or simply join us on the event day,” she said.
She added thus far around 45 stalls have been confirmed, but their target is 80 and with the stall registration closing two weeks before the event.
Meanwhile, KAA president Dr Catherine Chen highlighted the growing need for autism support services in the state, saying that there are an estimated 1,260 children under 15 with autism in Kuching alone.
“Currently, KAA serve 180 students but have a waiting list of 70. Once our building is completed, we will be able to take in more students.
“But this also means higher operational costs,” she said, while adding that the current operating cost is about RM1.3 million per year.
Dr Chen stressed the urgent need for more autism centres and facilities to meet growing demand, noting that if all children on the spectrum in Kuching came forward for support, the current centre would not be able to accommodate them.
Meanwhile, scheduled for Sunday, Jul 13, from 8 am to 12 noon at the Association of Churches Hall here, the Autism Food Fair 2025 will feature food stalls, stage performances, and community engagement activities.
This year’s event will also be attended by KAA patron Datuk Dayang Morliah Awang Daud, and will also showcase cultural performances by local dance troupes and stage appearances by students.
Details like stall registration and ticket sales are obtainable from Kimberly at 010-2686363/082-686 363 or Jonna at 016-8605826.
