A special day for 53 special children

KUALA LUMPUR: Fifty-three children of a special needs home had a pleasant surprise when reigning Miss Malaysia Tourism Queen of the Year Thalia Thin visited them today.
The children from Persatuan Kebajikan Kanak-Kanak Istimewa Insan (PKKII) home looked excited to be in the presence of the beauty queen.
They were all smiles as they mingled around and took pictures together during the two-hour visit.
They also had a sing-together session, where the children were led by Thalia and members of the programme organiser, D'Touch International, to sing the "Jalur Gemilang" patriotic song.
Most of the children come from single-parent families while some are orphans.
When met, Thalia said the visit was a special one and an eye-opener, having previously only visited orphanages and old folks homes.
"It was indeed a productive morning, and quite fulfilling and satisfying to see them smile," the 19-year-old said.
The initiative is part of the Loving Sunday charity programme, a social responsibility campaign under the Miss Malaysia Tourism pageant charity organised by D'Touch International that takes place every last Sunday of the month.
Also present today were D'Touch International founder and president Tan Sri Danny Ooi and members of the Lions Club of Kuala Lumpur (Host).
D'Touch and Lions Club also donated a cabinet as well as food items and kitchen utensils.
The PKKII home, which opened in 1998, houses children with special needs such as those with autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and developmental delay.
The children at PKKII are given round-the-clock care by a dedicated team of full-time staff.