KOTA KINABALU (Dec 11): S P Setia Foundation celebrated Christmas in advance with the communities in need in Sabah when Setia Corporate Volunteers from Setia Aeropod, Sabah, visited Grace Old Folks Home Care Centre and Sabah Women and Children’s Hospital recently.

This effort that focused on two vulnerable communities, the elderly and children, is part of S P Setia Bhd’s principle of ‘Leave No One Behind’ from the 2030 Agenda for United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Also attending the events were Datuk Yuslina Mohd Yunus, management committee of S P Setia Foundation and senior executive vice president of S P Setia, Adelene Wong, management committee of S P Setia Foundation and head of Group Branding & Communications for S P Setia and Sha’ari Hanapi, general manager of Setia Aeropod, Sabah.

“It’s the season of giving, a time to express solidarity to those in need, hence we want to give back to those who truly need it. We’re thankful for the support from the Setia Aeropod team. It’s moving to know that the foundation is not alone in helping the underserved communities; it takes a collective effort to build a more inclusive and cohesive Malaysia,” said Yuslina.

At Grace Old Folks Home Care Centre, the volunteers hung new curtains, decorated the premise with Christmas décor, while serenading the residents with an impromptu Christmas carol session.

S P Setia Foundation distributed gift baskets to 24 residents of the home which included personal care items such as blankets and sanitary items as well as food items contributed by Setia Aeropod. S P Setia-owned Amari Kuala Lumpur also contributed branded toiletry kits.

Bringing the enchanted Christmas experience to the Sabah Women and Children’s Hospital, one of the Setia Corporate Volunteers made a surprise appearance as Santa to amuse the children. The foundation also distributed gift bags containing stationery, toys, and snacks sponsored by Setia Aeropod, to the children and parents.

“Even the smallest act of kindness can have a lasting impact on the lives of those in need,” said Wong. She highlighted the foundation’s commitment to social responsibility, stating that “Our efforts extend beyond constructing buildings; we create sustainable communities, supporting and contributing to the local and surrounding communities we serve, and this programme is meant for our communities in Sabah.”