KUCHING: The Lions Nursing Home is set to host its annual Food Fair 2025 on December 7, from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm, at its premises, promising a bigger and more impactful event this year.
Lions Nursing Home Chairperson, PID Lion Datin Ellis Suriyati Omar, described the community-favourite fair as returning with greater goals and a renewed purpose.
This year’s event is led by Region 1 Managing Chairman, Jeff Lee Jiong Khai, aiming to raise RM450,000 to support the home’s operational and refurbishment needs.
Ellis revealed that the organising committee has already raised RM312,178, mainly through coupon sales, donations from Lions Clubs, individuals, visitors, and pre-fair activities, stressing that the funds are crucial to cover rising operational costs, with monthly overheads of about RM180,000.
“The home currently accommodates 54 residents, with a capacity of 60 needed to break even on fees alone. Many residents receive subsidies despite monthly fees ranging from RM2,300 to RM2,500.
“Refurbishment priorities include replacing the 33-year-old flooring (estimated at RM66,000), upgrading the female ward, repairing ceilings, updating electrical wiring and CCTV, improving office equipment, and fixing the compound gate and potholes.
“Maintenance is ongoing, and community support is essential to ensure a safe and comfortable environment for our elderly residents,” she said.
Ellis also reminded the public that donations to the Lions Nursing Home Welfare Fund are tax-exempt, following approval granted last year.
The Food Fair 2025 will welcome distinguished guests, including Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian and Kota Sentosa state assemblyman, Wilfred Yap Sau Sin.
Ellis also acknowledged the continued support of Deputy Economic Minister, Datuk Hanifah Taib, expressing hope for sustained government backing as the home plans for a new facility in the future.
Founded in 1992, Lions Nursing Home, Malaysia’s only Lions-managed facility, provides residential care, therapy, and training for nursing students, serving mostly wheelchair-bound residents.
Lee highlighted that the fair is one of Kuching’s most recognised NGO-run food events, where participating Lions Clubs and non-governmental organisastions (NGOs) donate all food and items sold.
“No stalls take profit, and each contributes items worth RM1,500 to RM2,000. This year, 90 stalls will feature a wide variety of food and goods. To date, 160,000 coupons, equivalent to 1,600 books, have been sold,” he said.
The home is urging the public to attend the fair and support its refurbishment and operational costs, with those wishing to donate food items or contribute encouraged to contact the Matron at 082-461493 or the organising chairman at 010-5990666.
Recently, Lions Nursing Home celebrated its 33rd anniversary by honouring long-serving staff and awarding the Best Staff of the Year, while also receiving CUEPACS’ Best Employer of the Year Award for its commitment to staff welfare and regulatory compliance.
The organising committee urges the community to come together on December 7 to support a home that has cared for Sarawak’s elderly for more than three decades.
