BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

SMARTER has appealed to the public to donate goods for its upcoming garage sale to be held on August 30 to ease its financial burden.

President of SMARTER Malai Hj Abdullah Malai Hj Othman said the organisation depends on donations, fundraising events and small businesses to support its monthly financial needs.

The public have been encouraged to donate used items at Centre at Autism EDGE centre at Jalan Seri Setia Satu, Kg Perpindahan Mata-mata or call them at 2420225 to arrange a pick up for the items.

More autistic students are enrolling in its programme. This year, there are 113 students under the care of SMARTER, he said, adding this requires more money for the training, education and resources for the autistic students.

However, the organisation refuses to burden families of the autistic students with high school fees. The families are only required to pay $150 for the education and facilities provided by SMARTER.

“We are financially struggling to operate the organisation. Currently, our main concern is to make sure our tutors and caretakers get their salaries on time,” said Malai Hj Abdullah. He added that the organisation has three other events from today until the end of the August.

In addition to fundraising events, the organisation is running SMARTER Washington Bakery and SMARTER Brunei’s charity shop to generate extra income.

SMARTER is also diversifying activities for its fund raising events.

It has organised fun activities for the public such as Zumba and charity concerts. Additionally, It's actively seeking volunteers to help run the events smoothly.

The Brunei Times