Blessed Christmas, one and all!

We are on the eve of another Christmas, which also means we are on the brink of another new year. As we bring 2008 to a close, my heartfelt thanks to all. What a scrumdiddlyumptious group of alumnae and friends!

Take just yesterday, for instance. Chuah Soh Nee, Class of '79 and a former classmate of my sis, emailed me that her uncle, Mr Chan Kwai Fong, has offered to help the fundraising effort. She emailed me his hp contact, which I passed on to Puan Noriza, who called Mr Chan immediately. Through alumna spirit and networking, I understand that the school is now able to get the tees and caps for the cyclethon at a better price. YAY!

There's also Tyng Yee in UK, who has been a constant campaign stalwart. When she heard of the cyclethon, she thought of a lovely sponsorship programme. In her words:

"I'm sure there are some students within the school who would like to take part, but could not afford it. So, my idea is to sponsor some of them to cycle. This way, I can donate money and they can contribute it to the school. I find this way quite meaningful."

Within a week, Tyng Yee has raised enough to sponsor 6 girls at RM60 each -- from aunts, cousins, uncles and friends both in Malaysia and the UK. She's still on-the-job...congrats and thank you, Tyng Yee (here she is, with her dad and hubby).

And, I am still amazed at the speed which alumnae responded to the SOS for the contacts of Junaidah Aman and Azura Zainal Ratin, after Puan Sharifah had asked for them. Through Facebook, we got the numbers within a couple of hours for Junaidah and within a couple of days for Azura. Puan Sharifah has spoken to them...thanks to Rohana Puteh (pix), who left TMGS in 1971 after Form 3, and Priya, Class of '95.

Yes, Hannee Tan, on her own initiative, created our very own alumnae Facebook group called "SMK Treacher Methodist Girls School Taiping." It really helps to keep all of us girls in touch, especially useful for quick alerts. The link is provided (see top right, below the school badge) for your sign-up convenience. :-)

Suet Fun, Li Yin, Chai Lan, Lean See, Odi, Jarinah, Hasnita, Pauline, Nan See, Su See, Mrs Lim, Yoga (of TMGS Old Girls Association), Mrs Polly Tan (of the Board of Governors), Mrs Goh Lye Ngoot (alumna, former teacher and present BOG) and all other alumnae who have helped --- my deepest, deepest thanks. Of course, the team at the school has been great -- Puan Noriza and her merry women, Mrs Ng, Lay Hoon, Poh Lay, Azizan and Sharifah. Mustn't forget Esther Hor, who will be in Form 4 next year --- with Mrs Ng's help, she did the research piece on the physical development of the school, which will be used in the website (that's another story).

Oh, we have some knights in shining armour too - namely Ong Ah Sun of PIBG St George who started the email appeal which started all this; Paul Loh who gave generously of his engineering expertise to survey the school; and Mr Chan Kwai Fong who is helping the school save on costs for the coming 120th year celebrations (less costs, more funds).

So, 2008 has been historic and meaningful, in terms of renewed alumnae movement for the school. It will forever mark a time when alumnae young and old, far and near rallied to the school's distress situation, and helped in whichever way they could (expressions of support are much appreciated too).

I certainly look forward to 2009 as we walk more on this journey together to restore our dear old school to how she deserves to be.

Happy New Year, everyone.....see ya next year!