Fund Raiser by Conference of Assumption PJ – Nov 2017

By Ivy Tan

*Spellbound in laughter: Comedians contribute towards Assumption’s Society of St Vincent De Paul’s fundraising*

The Society of St Vincent De Paul (SSVP) Conference of Assumption Parish, Petaling Jaya pulled off a successful live stand-up comedy night entitled KUMAR LIVE on 9 Nov 2017 at HGH Convention Centre, Sentul, KL.

Graced by Assumption Church assistant parish priest, Rev Father Mari Arokia, the night of laughter saw home grown Assumption boy Andrew Netto thrilling the crowd with a comical twist on religious and/or church-based daily happenings followed by Papi Zack, former radio deejay of Lite FM Radio, visiting Korean American comedian Walter Hong who gave his take on washroom habits of Malaysian males among others.
And finally, the long awaited for Singaporean Kumar, who on stage with his long straight hair, puffed fair-shaded cheeks and zipped jacket, appeared like a reincarnation of the late Michael Jackson! His observations of daily life in Singapore, Malaysia or Thailand be it political, religious, the environment, parental expectation of children, etc were satirised. Despite drawing endless laughter from the audience, certain quips did send a serious message.

Thunderous applause and blessings are owed to the four comedians who waived their professional performance fees and delivered their acts absolutely free-of-charge for the altruistic purpose of raising funds to benefit genuine charity causes.

The comedy act is made all the more sweeter as the stand-up comedians consist of diverse ethnicities, religions and citizenship, as were the spectators – which only suggests that the greater good of contributing towards the marginalised in society to uplift their lives is colour blind, thereby yielding to the mission of SSVP founder whereby friends are united by a spirit of poverty, humility and sharing nourished by prayer, reflection and mutually supportive gatherings. Amidst the dreariness of human folly, there is hope when faith in humanity is restored.

As part of SSVP’s mission to empower underprivileged groups and displaced persons, stalls ranging from the Mon Refugees Organisation from Myanmar selling traditional products like ethnic covered notebooks, aromatherapy soaps and incense, SSVP selling souvenirs and beverages, Catholic Business Fraternity selling religious paraphernalia, single parents’ groups selling food items, were set up at the foyer of HGH.

With calls that such stage live comedy acts be made an annual affair, it is hoped that the private sector could contribute towards sponsorship of tickets or purchases of rations for recipients as part of SSVP’s fundraising.

Anyone who would like to make a contribution towards SSVP’s initiatives may do so to CIMB Account 8002294905 under St Vincent De Paul. Tax exempt receipts can be issued by request for amounts more than RM50.