KOTA KINABALU: The Palliative Care Association of Kota Kinabalu (PCAKK) needs about RM600,000 a year to operate.
It hopes to raise RM250,000 through its 26th annual charity dinner-cum-show on August 8, 2025, at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC), said organising chairperson Datuk Margaret Lim.
PCAKK spends about RM40,000 monthly to run its services, which include a doctor, three nurses and an executive manager.
She said their home care programme supports patients with cancer, organ failure, post-stroke complications, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, motor neuron disease, and geriatric conditions, as well as children with life-limiting illnesses.
“Our services aim to improve the quality of life for patients and families facing life-threatening illnesses. We currently care for over 100 patients at their homes,” she said.
PCAKK president Dato’ Dr Jaswant Singh said they have helped more than 5,200 patients and families since 1998 and work closely with the Queen Elizabeth Hospital’s Palliative Care Unit.
The home care team includes full-time resident medical officer Dr Christiannie Tay, three nurses, and a panel of medical advisors led by Dr Jaswant, Dr Ronney Bachi, and Dr Anita Boey, supported by volunteers.
The night’s highlight will be a Tina Turner tribute by Irish singer Rebecca O’Connor, endorsed by Turner herself who once described her performance as “so good, it’s scary.”
The show will also feature local musicians – saxophonist Zara Goh Flintoff and a string trio featuring Lucas Tay, Joanna Ho and Jeorgein Oh.
Ticket prices range from RM2,000 to RM20,000 for 150 tables. For purchases, contact PCAKK at 088-231505 or 088-257507. – Wu Vuide
