Her Royal Highness Princess Fadzilah Lubabul Bolkiah yesterday graced the launching of Pusat Ehsan Al-Hajjah Maryam Charity Carnival that took place at the centre's premises in Kg Bengkurong.

On arrival, HRH was greeted by Board of Trustee Dato Paduka Hj Alimin Abd Wahab and Executive Board of Trustee Pg Datin Hjh Noraini PDNLDR Pg Hj Abd Momin. At the launching, HRH also received donations of $5,000 from Mashor Group of Companies, $3000 from the Anthony Abel College Reunion for Class 5 Science 1968 Organising Committee; $1,500 from the Kuwait Embassy; and $1,000 each from Jerudong International School and Priority Environmental Company. An annual activity to collect cash for its fund and a platform to showcase and sell handicrafts produced by the special individuals of the centre, the event also provided opportunities for small businesses.

The charity carnival is hoped to strengthen participants' network among local entrepreneurs, companies, associations and individuals to run business with charitable causes in associations such as Pusat Ehsan. Yesterday's event saw the set up of 100 booths selling necessities, food, drinks, toys and others, as well as numerous activities such as horse riding, super bike ride, flying fox, reptile exhibition and the presence of a group with Star Wars costumes and mascot.

Visitors to the carnival were offered a five-piece coupons booklet, priced at $5 each with lucky draw serial numbers printed. These printed numbers are dropped into the lucky draw box for a chance to win attractive prizes.

Pusat Ehsan is a non-profitable welfare NGO, providing quality learning and training, care and rehabilitation services to its 136 members at the centre and it has 27 members at its Kuala Belait Branch and needs no less than $40,000 a month to cover the costs for the provision of programmes for the special needs.

To date, the centre has been able to cover this cost with the assistance and support from all generous and caring parties in the country yet the centre always makes efforts to upgrade and increase its funds from time to time by conducting various activities such as the charity carnival.

In a press release, the management expressed their appreciation to all contributors, participants and others involved in the smooth sailing of the event and thanked members of the public for their encouraging response. - Borneo Bulletin (3rd Octopber 2011)