A REST AND RECREATION CENTRE FOR OUR AGED PARENTS

From plan to bricks, from vision to reality

The elderly in Kuala Lumpur now have a place to go to to learn new skills and  make new friends. The AUTORR Foundation Centre finally opened its doors last Sunday 2 December 2012, almost eight years after the ground-breaking ceremony in January 2005.

AUTORR Foundation founder, Lin Chia

The centre sits on a 4-acre piece of land donated by Lin Chua, grand-daughter of Yap Kwan Seng, the last Kapitan Cina of Kuala Lumpur. For Lin, it all started with the search for a place where her elderly mother could spend her time gainfully in the company of her peers instead of being alone at home the whole day. Frustrated at not finding such a place, Lin realized that there was an urgent need to build one. Thus the seed for the AUTORR Foundation Centre was planted.

The opening ceremony was graced by the presence of past Golden Awardees who were honoured by the AUTORR Foundation for their contributions to society. (From left:) Datuk Lum Kin Tuck, Puan Sri Christine Khir Johari, Datin Paduka Mother Mangalam, Tan Sri Emeritus Prof Datuk Dr Augustine Ong, Tan Sri Dato Seri Dr Mahadevan, Tan Sri Datuk Seri Lee Lam Thye, Ms Lin Chia, Dato Dr Low Bin Tick and Mr Liew Fook Choy. 

Lin set up the AUTORR Foundation and donated four acres of land in Ampang to build the centre. Over the years, various events were carried out to raise funds for the project. When news spread about the construction of a centre for senior citizens, the public responded generously. They were touched by the vision of this remarkable woman who selflessly sacrificed so much of her time and energy to building this haven for the aged.

If you have elderly parents and are looking for a place where they can enjoy the company of like-minded senior citizens, the AUTORR centre is the ideal choice. They will love the tranquility of the surroundings as the centre is nestled among hills in the outskirts of Ampang. Every care and thought has been put into the design of the centre with the comfort, safety and convenience of senior citizens uppermost in mind.

For those interested in checking out the centre, please refer to the map and address. Do call up first if you want a guided tour. Contact number: 03 - 4295 2261. Membership is now open at the promotional rate of RM600 a month. This covers two tea breaks, a vegetarian lunch, as well as classes. Opening hours are from 9.00am to 4.30pm, from Monday to Friday. Transport will be provided to and from Ampang Starline Station.

Here's a virtual tour of the centre.


If you would like to make a contribution to the AUTORR Foundation, please click here. All donations are tax-exempted.

AUTORR REVISITED

The auditorium at AUTORR.
(Photo taken in Feb 2009.)

I was conducting a workshop session yesterday when I noticed Lin Chua among the participants. Later, as I listened to her share about her passion and mission in life, I couldn't help marveling at this icon of a woman who continues to give so much of herself to "building a bridge of love between the very old and the very young".

To give the background of AUTORR is to tell the story of one courageous woman with a big heart and an even bigger vision, who donated 4 acres of prime land back in 2004 to build a RM7million centre where senior citizens could network, acquire new skills and knowledge, and discover a new joie de vivre.

I first met Lin Chua last February 2009. I had read a piece in the Star about her AUTORR Foundation and was eager to learn more. She graciously consented to an interview for Seniorsaloud. I ended up not only touring the AUTORR site, but also lunching with her. I came away impressed by the work she had done and the cause she was championing.

Click here to read my write-up of the 2009 visit and view pictures of the AUTORR Centre.

Now almost two years since that meeting, the AUTORR Foundation centre is about ready to open its doors to the public. Lin Chua is appealing for volunteers to help out with their on-going fund-raising campaign and also with their programme of activities at the foundation.

If you are able to provide training or give talks in the areas listed below, please email Seniorsaloud at seniorsaloud@gmail.com. We will get in touch with you.

• parenting / grandparenting skills
• counselling for the elderly
• family values
• motivation
• mentoring
• yoga / tai-chi / qigong / others
• handicrafts and hobbies (e.g. bonsai gardening, cooking, painting)
• mental health
• nutrition and wellness
• money management
• meditation
• others

Please help in whatever way you can to get AUTORR started on a firm footing. Lin Chua has already given so much of herself to helping retirees and the elderly, the least we can do is give her our support.

Giving not only adds value to someone else's life, but more importantly, to ours as well.