This initiative is part of the Buddhist Association’s Educare programme which aims to lessen the parents’ burden  and ensure the less-fortunate have the essential items needed for school next year.

“This is our seventh year running this programme and the response is very good, thanks to  devotees and members,” said Educare organising chairman James Khoo.

Khoo said they managed to collect RM40,000 from donors and RM108 was spent on every child.

In the bags were also note pads, stationery and other things which he hopes will help the children in their studies.

Joining the  children were 60 Orang Asli students who came by bus all the way from SJK(C) Khing Ming in Kampung Tun Abdul Razak, Kuala Kubu Bahru.

“My friend told me about the poor students there who can’t afford to buy shoes or bags and so we felt it is only right to include them in our programme,” he said.

Khoo said the students were chosen by their respective schools or community leaders.

“Schools will present us with a list of names and we will prepare the items for them,” he said.

Joining him were Subang Jaya Buddhist Association Chim Siew Choon, Subang Jaya Municipal Councillor (MPSJ) R Rajiv and Subang Jaya assemblyperson Hannah Yeoh, who donated RM10,000 from her state funds to the programme.

“I would like to congratulate the Buddhist association and their Educare programme as they really help the needy and deserving children regardless of race and religion,” said Yeoh.

Yeoh said this was her fourth year she had donated to the programme, and she hopes to do so again next year.