It’s was a memorable day for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Conference of St. Joseph on 14^th August 2011 to have the official “Launching of Recycle Project” at the Chapel of St. Francis Xavier, Jalan Poh Ah Tiam (formerly known as Jalan Lorong Pandan), Melaka. The Chapel is under the jurisdiction of Church of St. Theresa and Rev. Fr. Peter Ng is the Parish Priest while Rev. Fr. Edward Rayappan, his Asst. Priest. The collection activity has been set for every 2^nd Sunday of the month from 9.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m.

The Project was officially launched by Rev. Fr. Peter Ng with prayers and blessings.  Rev. Fr. Peter said that he believed that this Project will encourage all the Conferences in the State to participate under one umbrella so that it would not be too taxing for the members to conduct the activities every month. And the task can be shared out amongst the members.  He added that he is very happy to witness a good response on the first attempt with one small lorry load of Recycled Goods and hope that there will be better response for the subsequent collections.

Bro. Peter Fam, the Conference President wish to record his thanks to Rev. Fr. Peter Ng for officiating the “Launching” and the whole-hearted support and encouragement he has given for this Project.  He said Fr. Peter generously gave the Conference the space in this Chapel as the Collection Centre to conduct it’s activities on monthly basis and that Fr. Peter has hoped that the other 7 Chapels can also conduct this Recycling activity. Bro. Peter also extended his gratefulness to Rev. Fr. Eddy for his moral support and encouraging the Parishioners to participate in this Project. Bro. Peter also wish to thanked his members for not only giving their full support but also physically going to the ground to ensure this Project to be a successful one. This is the first kind of Project the Conference has initiated and is looking forward for other forms of work besides the normal assistance to the Fins under the Conference’s care.

The Project Co-ordinator, Bro. David Heng said he was touched by the tremendous support given to the Project. From the Parish Priest – Rev. Fr. Peter Ng, his Assistant – Rev. Fr. Eddy Rayappan giving their support, advice and encouragement. The members’ moral support and physically working to ensure all recycling processes are done accordingly. He added that his Conference had printed 10,000 pcs of ‘Flyers’ for distribution to the STC Parishioners and will also seek the permission from the Parish Priest in the other Churches to publicize the Project. Banners were also displayed at the Church’s premise and at the collection Centre. He added that prior to the Launching, some members and himself went  to collect bulky items from homes after receiving request from the donors. The type of Recycling items are: Newspaper, Carton Boxes, Plastic Materials (soft/hard), Tins, Iron, Glasses/Bottles, usable items – Cupboard, Refridgerator, T.V., Bed (single deck/double deck), etc.

(appeared in the Herald of 18 Sept . 2011)