Lions Club of Cameron Highlands - Environmental Project & Charity Ball
The year 1997 came to a quick close, and Christmas was just
around the corner. Back in November, I had accepted an invitation from the
Lions Club of Cameron Highlands to join their 9th Annual Charity Ball, which was held on December 10 1997. They
shared with me an exciting lineup of events, including a tree planting initiative that
truly inspired me, and I eagerly anticipated my participation.
On the day of
the event, together with my wife, I drove my new Peugeot, which I had purchased just a
week prior. The journey along the old, winding road from Tapah town was
delightful. Midway, I spotted large banners announcing the Lions Charity Ball,
and colorful streamers lined the narrow road, creating a festive atmosphere
while promoting the eco-project in an open field.
As we neared Tanah Rata town,
a group of Lions greeted us with a big 'welcome' banner by the roadside. I was warmly
welcomed by Lion President Dato Yee Shan Kon and the chairman of the
environmental project, Lion Captain Zainal Haji Thambi.
I was informed that my role that morning
was to kick off the “plant a tree” campaign, and I had the honor of planting my
very first tree sapling. This tree planting ceremony was a way to commemorate
my visit to Cameron Highlands and their club. I was the sole speaker and asked to say a few words to focus on 'greening' the world. Then, the Lions, along with my wife, took turns planting
saplings in designated areas of the field. I felt wonderful, as trees
symbolize life, growth, peace, and nature. A world filled with trees is
essential for our survival, as they serve as the green lungs of Mother Earth!
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Extract of speech: "...the environmental project has brought awareness to the community of what Lions clubs were doing. Everyone has a responsibility to ensure our air is clean otherwise we will have to pay a very heavy price in terms of poor health. I hope all other NGOs and Malaysian will take environmental issues seriously. Let the Lions be committed to protect our environment. Well done! LC Cameron Highlands."
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| Lucy planting the sapling. |
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| President Dato' Yee and Lion Zainal made sure that the plant was in position. |
After the project, Captain Zainal invited me and my wife for a tour of a tea factory. Vast patches of cleared land and indications of erosion were evident. I was proud that our Lions had done their bit, but many more conservation projects needed to be initiated. Perhaps a Green master plan for the highlands.
We had tea at the coffee house of Boh Tea plantation. The restaurant’s verandah was perched on high ground overlooking endless rows upon rows of terraced tea plants. I felt myself so 'English'. There were muffins, scones, and strawberry jam, served with black tea. At the factory, I saw how tea leaves were being dried in the oven and later separated into different grades by special “vibration” machines. I was fascinated by the strawberry farm and a rose garden where I saw colourful roses and carnations.
Before sunset, we returned to the Equatorial Hill Resort at Brinchang to dress up for the evening’s grand ball. From the windows of my room, I could see a long line of cars approaching the hotel. The Lions were coming, I said to myself! Many had driven from Perak and Pahang for the gala nite.
The dinner kicked off right on schedule, complete with some formalities and a few speeches. After my speech, I presented my special pin to Lion President Dato' Yee and Lion Captain Zainal. The pin had the 3 pillars insignia of Lionism: Leadership, Service, and Fellowship. I also spotted several prominent Lions and with the consent of the president, I also presented them with my token pin.
Soon after, the charity ‘ball’ got underway, with the auction being the main attraction. Generous door gifts and lucky draws were distributed throughout the evening. Enjoying whiskey on the rocks helped me warm up in the chilly weather. It was a night filled with dancing and joy, and most importantly, the Lions successfully raised a substantial amount for charity.
After a long day of activities, I felt quite tired and decided to leave the event before it concluded. Overall, it was a delightful evening for the hardworking Lions.
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| Presenting my personal pin to President Dato Yee. |
Extract of Speech:
"..There is a saying that charity begins at home. This is true but I also believe that many people define home too narrowly, limiting the home to the space within four walls they happen to stay in. Our home is in the community we love and our family is all the people in it...."
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| Club Secretary Tang Kar Seng received my personal pin. |
The following day, I attended the LC of Cameron Highland’s Business Meeting. I was briefed on their projects and activities. I commended the club for adopting a Leo program and that the Leo Advisor should attend Leo meetings regularly. I encouraged them to have joint activities with other Lions clubs in the region so that they could serve better to benefit the community.
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| Business Meeting in progress. |
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| Lion Captain Zainal received my personal pin |
