On 18 December 2024, RSGC celebrated the joy of giving through its annual Wishing Upon RSGC event held in the Banquet Hall. This cherished initiative turned heartfelt wishes into moments of happiness for children in need, showcasing the true spirit of community.
Everyone wants to join
A Tradition of Giving
At the heart of the Wishing Upon RSGC programme lies the belief that small acts of kindness can create lasting impacts. In mid-November 2024, a beautifully adorned Christmas tree was placed in the Club’s Main Lobby, symbolising the start of this meaningful initiative. Each ornament on the tree represented a wish from a child from two homes: Pertubuhan Kebajikan Mary in Taman Ayer Panas, Kuala Lumpur, and House of Joy in Taman Paik, Puchong, Selangor.
To bring the programme to life, To watch the video of this event, click here. Members were invited to pick a wish card from the tree. Each card included a child’s name, age, and their desired gift. After selecting a card, Members purchased and wrapped the gifts before delivering them to the Club by the deadline. Reflecting on the wish list from the homes, I initially worried whether all the requests could be fulfilled. The variety of requests ranged from baby products and toys to more unique items like musical instruments, such as guitars, bongos, ukuleles, and keyboards. To my delight, every single wish was granted!
One particular moment that stood out to me was seeing a request for luggage being fulfilled. The biggest gift on the list had been granted! Watching it beautifully wrapped and added to the gift collection was such a delight. Another memorable moment was when a child who requested football shoes received not only the shoes but also a football to go along with it—what a pleasant surprise! Our Members’ generosity and thoughtfulness continue to inspire me.
Together for a picture
The Front Office team played a big role in this initiative by encouraging Members to pick a card from the Christmas Tree in the Main Lobby. Kudos to the team for their dedication and efforts in making this initiative a success.
Not all Members were able to purchase and wrap the gifts themselves, but many generous donors made financial contributions and entrusted us to handle the purchases on their behalf. The management staff, including the General Manager, stepped in to ensure these gifts were thoughtfully bought, wrapped, and delivered.
While I was at the Front Desk checking the list of fulfilled wishes, a Member approached me to donate. When I informed him that all the gifts on the wish list had already been fulfilled, he smiled and asked if there was anything else he could do. He informed me that he did not have the time to shop and instead would donate the money. I was more than happy to do the candy shopping and wrapping them into colourful gift bags, ready to be given away to all the children.
A Magical Afternoon
The event opened with a warm welcome for the children and their caretakers as they arrived at RSGC, where they were greeted with heartfelt hospitality and excitement. To ensure their journey was smooth and hassle-free, logistics were arranged for the homes, including coordinating transportation and schedules for their convenience and safety.
The festivities were officially opened with a welcome speech by Yasmin Yusuff, Convenor of the Communications, PR & Events Subcommittee (CPRESC). She warmly welcomed them and expressed her hope that the children and their caretakers would enjoy the food and activities prepared for them. Her heartfelt and gracious words created an atmosphere of warmth and excitement that carried through the day.
This was followed by a mesmerising carolling performance by Together With Him (TWH), a talented group of singers led by RSGC Member Rahim Ismail. Their harmonious renditions of holiday classics created a festive atmosphere for everyone in attendance. The group delighted the audience with beloved carols such as “O Holy Night”, “Deck the Hall”, and “Feliz Navidad”, bringing the spirit of Christmas alive in every note.
The children enjoyed a variety of activities that brought endless smiles and laughter to their faces. They indulged in sweet treats such as popcorn, candy floss, and ice cream, while creative outlets like sand art and face painting allowed them to express their artistic side. Lively entertainment was provided by a magic clown show and interactive games that kept the children engaged and excited. Adding to the festive cheer, an elf balloonist mingled with the children, crafting personalised balloons and making the experience even more memorable.
The highlight of the afternoon was the arrival of Santa Claus, played by RSGC IT Manager Muhamed Sathiq. With his cheerful demeanour, Santa delighted the children as he handed out candies, spreading festive cheer. This was followed by a heartwarming prizegiving ceremony, where each child received their carefully chosen gift from Santa. The children were laughing with joy and screaming with excitement as they realised their unique requests had been fulfilled. The pure happiness on their faces reflected the true power of giving—truly a priceless moment.
A Community United
The success of Wishing Upon RSGC was the result of extraordinary teamwork and a shared sense of purpose. My colleagues from the Marcom Team—Faiz, Mia, Hafidz, and Afizan—and the HR Team, represented by Izuan and Sukhjeet, worked tirelessly to ensure every detail was thoughtfully planned and executed. Their efforts brought the event to life, creating a magical experience that will be remembered by everyone involved.
The repeated names of Members selecting cards highlighted the boundless generosity of the RSGC community. Your thoughtful contributions turned heartfelt wishes into reality, spreading happiness far beyond the Club’s walls. Thank you, RSGC Members, for making these children’s dreams come true and for filling this season with joy and compassion.
A Legacy of Kindness
The Wishing Upon RSGC initiative is a shining example of the extraordinary impact a united community can have. The smiles, laughter, and excitement of the children, along with the overwhelming generosity of RSGC Members, left a profound mark on everyone involved.
Lunch is served
Although the festive season has passed, the spirit of kindness and compassion that this event embodies serves as a lasting reminder of the power of giving. Its success inspires us to continue creating meaningful connections and opportunities to make a difference—not just during the holidays, but throughout the year. Together, we have shown that even the simplest acts of kindness can create lasting happiness.
We have popcorn too
