KUALA LUMPUR, Friday 25th November 2005 - To many, the phrase Christmas isn’t Christmas till it happens in your heart is merely a familiar line taken from a popular Christmas carol. But for a group of student leaders at UCSI (University College Sedaya International) this was something serious that they hold close to their hearts.

Almost two weeks earlier, UCSI’s Corporate Communications department accompanied Eric Teo, a member of the University College’s Student Council to the Desa Amal Jireh orphanage in Kajang. What Teo saw reached deep into his heart. He walked out of the orphanage with the orphanage’s wish list and a steely resolve to help out the residents.The next day, he came into the Corporate Communications office armed with his plan to raise funds and organize a Christmas party for them. I feel so sorry for these children. I realize now how I have taken my own parents for granted. I really want to help them. I think the Student Council can start by helping spread Christmas cheer to these little ones. We will organize a Christmas party for them right here at UCSI! exclaimed the Year One Electronics and Electrical Engineering student. We will sell toys and get people to sponsor the items on the Wish List.

This week, Teo and his fellow Student Councillors, proved that they were not all talk only. They actually put their plan into action, selling 69 teddy bears  all dedicated to the orphans, and song dedications at the lobby area of the University College. Since Tuesday, they have managed to collect more than RM400 in sponsorship of Wish List items, and approximately RM700 in cash donations from students and staff of UCSI.

Ooi Pei Boon, Manager of the Student Affairs Office at UCSI, had this to say in a telephone interview, I am very proud of what the students are doing. Christmas is a time of sharing and caring, and these students have held on to this spirit admirably. They organized this fundraising activity within such a short period all on their own initiative. Of course, this would not have been such a success if not for the support of UCSI staff and students.

We are glad we can do something to help these orphans. We want them to know that they are not alone this Christmas, said David Lee, who is also an Engineering student with UCSI and the Vice President for Project Management in the Student Council.

"Without prejudice to the rights of UCSI the information herein is correct at the time of printing and UCSI reserves the right to make amendments without prior notice."