Varsity students raise RM3,900 for hospital through plastic-free campaign
A GROUP of graduates from Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman's (UTAR) Public Relations programme donated close to RM4,000 to UTAR Hospital in Kampar.
The 62 individuals raised RM3,858 through a corporate social responsibility (CSR) project called 'We Want No Plastic: We Are Fantastic Without Plastic'.
Project director Chen Zhi Shan said a mock cheque presentation was held to hand over the funds to UTAR president Prof Datuk Dr Ewe Hong Tat was held during the university's 40th convocation ceremony.
She said funds were raised through the sale of various items and community sponsorship.
'We sold fruits, yau char kwai (Chinese cruller), jelly, coffee and succulent plants.
'These items were packed in recyclable packaging or containers, which aligned with our campaign's goals,' she said, adding that it took about four months to raise the money.
Chen said the group also sold merchandise such as tote bags and glass cups with glass straws to promote reusable items.
'The donation was also our way to give back to the community,' she said.
The project, launched in June last year, was aimed at raising awareness of microplastic pollution, advocating for the reduction of single-use plastics as well as promoting healthier and more eco-friendly lifestyles.
'We were aware of the potential health risks posed by microplastics when preparing for this project, and this motivated us to make the project a reality.
'We hope that our efforts will not only impact the campus community but also raise broader awareness among the public,' said Chen.
She said the group decided to donate the proceeds to the hospital as a gesture of gratitude.
'We want to give back to our alma mater and the community at large for their support in our academic journey.
'The donation supports the university's sustainability efforts and underscores its 'From Grads to Future Greats' message,' she added.
In addition to expressing his gratitude for their contribution, Prof Ewe also congratulated the graduates on their achievement in securing UTAR's first-ever gold award in the Malaysia Public Relations Awards 2024 for their CSR project. ― By IVAN LOH
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