The Ramakrishna Ashrama, Penang

Every responsible business should do something about their Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR. It doesn't matter how much you do, their contributions may be grand or they can be at modest levels. The most important aspect about CSR is that companies should give something back to the society which contributes to their success.

As such, I was heartened to learn that last month, several business entities here in Penang did engage in discharging their CSR by visiting a few orphanages and bringing cheer to their children. There were about 40 of them, including bloggers and the general public.

The event was made possible by Crowdpot Sdn Bhd (Event Organiser), Ninetology Malaysia, SUBWAY® Suntech, iAvenue and Leith Street branches, Chatime Malaysia, Langkawi Saga Travel & Tours Sdn Bhd and Alextan Artworks.

One of the orphanages visited was The Ramakrishna Ashrama in Scotland Road. The other two places were the Children's Protection Society and the Penang Shan Children's Home.

The Ashrama is a charitable organisation founded in 1938 under the inspiration and guidance of His Holiness Swami Bhaswarananda Maharaj who was then stationed at The Ramakrishna Mission, Singapore. Apart from spiritual activities, the Ashrama runs an orphanage, catering for both boys and girls with ages ranging from six to 20 years old. The orphanage admits poor orphaned children or abused children or children whose parents are unable of supporting the child.

These children would require help from society to assist the orphanage with fulfilling their basic needs and education. The children in the home are given proper education and are well cared for so that they grow up as useful citizens. Besides education, the girls learn traditional dancing, cooking and housekeeping. Children excelling well academically are encouraged to pursue higher education.

There are various ways that anyone can help The Ramakrishna Ashrama, such as by participating in their Sponsor a Child programme. The yearly cost to support a child at The Ramakrishna Ashrama is about RM1,500 which goes into the child's education (RM500), food (RM600), maintenance (RM300) with the remainder for miscellaneous expenses. You can also donate directly through their CIMB bank account.

If you need more information, please contact The Ramakrishna Ashrama at 37 Scotland Road, 10450 Penang (tel: 04-2270869, fax: 04-2278921, email ramkorp@hotmail.com).