KUALA LUMPUR, June 2, 2015 – For the hundreds who gathered for a fun day out with family and friends, while helping to make children’s wishes come true, the first walk-cum-treasure hunt by home-grown halal family restaurant chain The Chicken Rice Shop (TCRS) was everything it set out to be.
Held amidst the lush backdrop of Lake Gardens (or Perdana Botanical Gardens), the TCRS Chick-A-Thon and carnival was organised in conjunction with the brand’s 15th anniversary.
Wong Kah Lin, CEO of TCRS Restaurants Sdn Bhd, said “The Chick-A-Thon gives us a great opportunity to bring families together as part of our anniversary celebrations which is all about giving back. With so many people with hectic lifestyles, it is important to make time for those nearest and dearest to us, so why not an event that gets you outdoors, is healthy and where you stand to win cash and more!”
The day started with an aerobic session to get everyone warmed up for the 2.5km walk-cum-treasure hunt, which was flagged off by celebrity chef Dato’ Ismail Ahmad, also TCRS ambassador. Children and adults excitedly set off through the scenic Lake Gardens, trying to complete the walkathon within the shortest timeframe and win cash prizes totalling RM10,000.
As the participants searched for images of little yellow chicks that were hidden along the green trail and answered questions, the usually quiet Lake Gardens was turned into a hive of activity.
Seeing the anniversary was an ideal occasion to give back to the community, the event also raised funds and awareness in support of the Children’s Wish Society (CWS), a not-for-profit organization that helps to fulfil the wishes of terminally-ill children across Malaysia.
Wong said, “We wanted to support a worthy cause and with CWS being family-oriented, it was an easy choice. They do wonderful work in bringing happiness to children with serious illness by looking for ways to make their wishes a reality. TCRS plans to match the total amount collected as entry fee-cum-donations from participants so we can make an even larger contribution to the Society and hopefully make more wishes come true.”
Teoh Teik Hoong, Vice President of CWS Malaysia, said the organisation was proud to be a partner of the Chick-A-Thon. “This partnership helps raise much-needed funds for the society's efforts to fulfil wishes of children stricken with terminal illnesses across the country. Every wish fulfilled is another smile from these ailing children.”
He added that the funds raised would be channelled towards fulfilling wishes CWS Malaysia has received from children around the country. “It may be a little girl suffering from cancer who wants a soft teddy bear, a wheelchair-bound teenage boy suffering from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy who needs an iPad to keep him entertained, or a young boy suffering from liver failure who wishes to travel somewhere with his family. On behalf of the society, we would like to thank TCRS and members of the public who have stepped forward to help us fulfil more wishes.”
The TCRS Chick-a-Thon also gave away 10 smartphones as consolation prizes, with one lucky participant walking away with a 60-inch LED TV for winning the best-dressed traditional costume contest.
In the spirit of ‘makan together’, participants at the end of the walkathon also received complimentary halal Hainanese chicken rice, one of the most popular dishes at TCRS. Wong added, “As a family restaurant, we believe in the goodness of a meal to strengthen family ties. We are grateful to have had so much loyal support from our customers over the last 15 years and we are glad to be able to show our appreciation.”
To top it off, there were a variety of booths with activities like Golf, Roller Ball, Ring Toss, Balloon Dart, Shot Target and Can Toss. Participants were also spoilt for choice when it came to food and beverages offered by event sponsors including Farm’s Best, Permanis, Wall’s and Milo. Touch n’ Go also set up a booth offering customized versions of Touch n’ Go cards using personal photos or other images, and reloading of cards.
Founded in 2008, CWS has brought smiles to children and their families nationwide by fulfilling more than 450 wishes. Whether a trip to Universal Studio Singapore or the Lost World of Tambun in Perak, an iPad or a game console, and even a ride in a Lamborghini, CWS has made it their mission to reach out to as many children as possible.
The Chick-A-Thon fun continues from May 31 – June 6, 2015, as participants will be able to enjoy a 2-piece Nyonya Pai Tee side dish for free when dining at TCRS outlets. Simply post pictures taken during the TCRS Chick-A-Thon on Facebook using the hashtag #tcrschickathon2015, and show a TCRS employee proof of the post to be entitled to the complimentary side dish. Terms and conditions apply.
To see more about the Chick-a-Thon or check out pictures from the fun-filled day, one can visit
https://www.facebook.com/thechickenriceshop.
