CCE’s vision and mission statement is “to enhance the quality of life of the elderly who are in greater need.” This is what the group of CCE volunteers at HRC strives to do. United in faith and love, they are inspired and guided by the Holy Spirit.
In July 2002, five concerned persons wanted to enhance the life of the elderly. They donated RM50,000.00 to HRC to manage. With the blessings of the then parish priest Rev Fr. John Gnana, and a further donation of slightly over RM50,000.00 from HRC parishioners, CCE was formed for the task. It was launched in October 2002 at HRC Feast Day.
CCE defines elderly poor as people over the age of 60 who have difficulties in sustaining themselves. They are often left alone, neglected, abandoned and taken for granted that they have reached the advanced stage in life, outliving their usefulness and worthiness, and awaiting their final moment.
CCE believes lives of the elderly are still worthwhile and have their purpose. Old age is the final stage of human maturity which is God’s blessing. CCE makes no distinction of colour or creed in their work.
To-date, CCE has reached out to more than 1500 elderly poor in individual homes, old folks’ homes, aged orphans and nuns in convents, retired priests, neglected elderly leper parents and the elderly in Orang Asli settlements in Wilayah Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Perak and Negri Sembilan.
Their most fulfilling project is the “Hamper of Joy” in which they involve all parishioners of HRC. Members put up “gift wish cards” of the poor and marginalized in front of the church at Advent. On the Feast of Epiphany, CCE lays out a sumptuous lunch with one whole roast pig for them. Gifts received from the parishioners are then distributed.