A lifelong mission to unite orphaned children with loving families
Despite the challenges faced, the team’s passion for supporting children in need has been the driving force behind the foundation’s continued progress.
In celebration of its 15th anniversary, OrphanCare Foundation remains steadfast in its ongoing mission to connect orphaned children with loving families.
Reflecting on this milestone, its chairman Tan Sri Faizah Mohd Tahir expressed her gratitude to the dedicated staff and trustees whose commitment had been crucial in sustaining the organisation.
Despite the challenges faced, she said the team’s passion for supporting children in need has been the driving force behind the foundation’s continued progress.
She said for over 15 years, the foundation achieved a lot while also navigating numerous challenges along the way.
"As an NGO, one of our biggest challenges has been financial sustainability, which is why we've planned a fundraising High Tea event to help support our efforts," she said when met during a media appreciation session held at the foundation in Bukit Gasing.
The event was attended by media members, along with fellow trustees Datin Elya Lim Abdullah, Nor’aini Hashim and Datuk Aminah Abdul Rahman.
Looking ahead, OrphanCare aims to broaden its reach and continued making a lasting impact on the lives of vulnerable children.
The foundation planned to focus on raising awareness and securing the funding needed to support its long-term objectives.
Faizah shared that the organisation has expanded to three locations, including Johor Bahru and Sungai Petani.
She emphasised that the funds raised will be crucial for covering essential expenses, including utilities, staff wages and the vital services provided by the foundation.
This included social workers' visits to institutions and hospitals, often requiring late-night travel to address children's urgent medical needs.
She added that monthly expenses, including rent, salaries, utilities and transportation for social workers, totalled around RM 60,000 to RM 70,000, reaching nearly RM 1 million annually.
This, she said highlighted the critical need for financial support to sustain these operations.
"We're an NGO and don't receive any government support, so to sustain ourselves, we rely on fundraising.
"Over the years, we've raised funds from generous corporate donors and individuals, some of whom contribute without waiting for an event. But now, we feel it's time to do even more," she said.
Meanwhile, OrphanCare Foundation general manager Zakiah A. Rahman said the organisation’s strong commitment to prudent financial management with each expenditure carefully reviewed and audited to ensure transparency and accountability.
She said OrphanCare has maintained its sustainability for 15 years through careful stewardship of the funds entrusted to it by donors, ensuring that every sen was spent wisely.
"Every expenditure we make, including TNT claims or any other spending, is carefully audited each year and we submit our audited report to the Inland Revenue Board.
"We’re very meticulous in ensuring that everything is well-organised, well-run and well-managed," she said.
OrphanCare will host a fundraising High Tea on Nov 23 at Berjaya Times Square, here, to secure vital funds for its mission to connect orphaned children with families.
The event will be graced by royal patron, Her Royal Highness Sultanah Hajah Kalsom, a steadfast supporter of OrphanCare since its inception.
A keynote address will be delivered by Lumos Foundation advisor Roger Singleton who will discuss the impact of institutional care on children.
Lumos is a non-governmental organisation set up by author J.K. Rowling.
The event will also provide attendees with insights on the challenges faced by orphaned and adopted children, with personal stories to be shared by adoptive parents.
Sponsorship packages are available from RM3,000 to RM20,000, with donations eligible for tax exemption.
