JOHOR BAHRU: Dr Gary Ko, the perennial philanthrophy known for his altruism among the poor, needy and underprivileged has organized a Lantern Festival dinner in their honour.

Dr Ko runs his fish wholesale business known as GM Seafood is located in Taman Mount Austin.

The dinner held at Long Sing Restaurant in Taman Daya saw some 350 children, elderly and orphans participating in a packed fun-thrilled event which included songs, dance and magic show.

Dr Ko wanted to show his love and care for the orphans, needy and elderly and that’s the purpose for this dinner.

The well-known medical doctor turned wholesale fish dealer has been providing much for the needy all year-round.

Famous here as the businessman who always thinks of the poor and gives generously to them on festive occasions.

Every day some 80 kilos of fish are always given to the orphanages, aged homes or needy families.

“This dinner is for these people and I wanted them to be happy and see the smiles on their faces,” he said.

He knows the penurious struggles sometimes to put food on the table particularly when only one member of the family is working.

Even during festivals, Dr Ko is ready to help these people. “I get my men to prepare fish for these homes”.

At the dinner, Dr Ko said he was delighted to see many inmates from the various home attend the Lantern Festival Dinner.

Various types of mooncakes were also placed on all tables for those present to consume as desserts with many admiring its variety and design.

The children from the various homes were overjoyed and filled with laughter when “Uncle Fishy” – the clown went up the stage to perform some comical magical tricks that thrilled the audience.

“I could see the bliss on the faces of these children as they enjoyed the evening dinner filled with much amusing and hilarity.

Even his 100 over staff were not left out as they too partook in the dinner celebration.

In his address during the dinner, Dr Ko said he was appreciative to see many turned up for the dinner which he hosted.

“This evening, we will showcase some of our heritage culture for our community to see, participate in, and enjoy together,” he said.

He also thanked all the sponsors, media, and event organizers for their support in making this lantern Festival possible.

“Your contributions in providing the event space, coverage, and organization have been invaluable. I sincerely hope everyone has a great time celebrating this year’s Lantern Festival,” he said.

For Dr Ko seeing the smile and cheer on the faces of the poor and needy gives him much joyfulness.

“If I had not thought of them especially during this Lantern Festival who would have thought of hosting them for a lavish dinner,” he remarked.

He said he will continue helping the poor and needy and provide them with fish from time to time.

“When you want to help the needy you must give from your heart and not just say it verbally and then forget about it,” he stressed.

Today a number of charitable homes have benefitted from Dr Ko’s big-heartedness.

“You won’t be able to help everyone in need, but your gesture, no matter how small, will definitely make a difference. It really doesn’t matter who you are or how much you have to offer. Be kind just for the sake of it and expect nothing in return,” he stated.

He believes that one must always have a willing hand to help someone, as you might be the only one that does.

“You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you,” he asserted.

“As a doctor I am trained to help those who are suffering and as a human being I can’t help but see the suffering of the poor,” he lamented.

He made it clear that there is nothing more beautiful than someone who goes out of their way to make life beautiful for others.