KUALA LUMPUR, Friday 13 August 2004 - These days an electronic mail can do wonders. 

Just an electronic message sent by UCSI’s Corporate Communications Department a week ago to the staff of the university has resulted in 64 bags of rice being collected from generous donors for the five homes under the umbrella of Shelter Home.

Even former TV3 newscaster and sports commentator, Ras Adiba Mohd Radzi who came to know about the shortage of rice from the electronic mail donated a bag of rice for the homes. The rice was picked up from her home in Pantai Hills.

The appeal for rice came about when a staff learnt that Shelter Home is short of rice. According to its Corporate Affairs Vice President, Chin Peng Kit, the generosity of staff and the students is something that the university is proud off. 

“It shows that our people take time to show that they care,” he said. “Some of the staff have even personally delivered the rice to the homes on their own. Others have given personal donations by cheques.”

The UCSI Edu-Van, which is used to visit schools, became the “horse” for a noble cause to deliver the rice to Shelter One. 

Executive Director of Shelter Home, James Nayagam (HP: 012-3141100) said every month the five homes, with over 70 children, consume at least 40 bags of rice. 

With Shelter’s involvement in the Food Aid programme, which is involved in feeding the poor in the community, there is always a big demand for food such as rice, sugar and biscuits.

”We are always grateful for the generous donations from the public,” he said. “Organizations wishing to donate other goods can contact Shelter Home at 03-79550663.”

He was represented by his colleague, Anderson Selvasegaram. Presenting the rice to Anderson was UCSI Student Council President, Dominic Lucien Luk.