Media

Penang, 9 August 2015 – Residents of Pure Lotus Hospice of Compassion were literally transported back in time to 1885 when they were treated to a colonial English afternoon tea, courtesy of the Eastern and Oriental (E&O) Hotel here.

It was a pleasant afternoon for the group of nine cancer patients and 11 volunteers as they enjoyed their afternoon tea in the air-conditioned elegant comfort of E&O Hotel’s 1885 Restaurant, a fine dining restaurant named for the year that the Hotel was established and renowned for its classical yet contemporary cuisine served in the finest traditions of colonial style dining.  

Sitting on plush suede chairs beneath ornate chandeliers, the special guests chatted quietly over a selection of sandwiches and cakes with an array of teas like Earl Grey, Jasmine Gold and Pure Camomile.

E&O group hospitality and lifestyle director Michael Saxon said it was an honour for the hotel to welcome the guests from Pure Lotus.

“We hope that our Pure Lotus guests were comfortable and that they appreciated the 1885 afternoon tea experience,” he said.

E&O Bhd group strategy and communications (Penang) senior manager Ann Tan said the treat was a simple gesture from the Group to show their support for the patients.

“I grew up next to a home for cancer patients and I know it is not an easy journey. Today’s event is part of E&O’s ongoing commitment to the communities in Penang,” she said.  

Venerable Lyan Shih, who is the founder and director of the hospice, said that instead of confining the patients to their beds, such outings were very beneficial and helped to lift their spirits.

“We hope to be able to accommodate more than 40 patients when our four-storey building is ready.

“There have been many occasions where we had to reject applications for admission because there are not enough beds to cope with the demand,” Ven Lyan Shih said.

A non-profit organisation, Pure Lotus began operations in 2001, providing care for end-stage cancer patients of all ages, irrespective of race and religion. Cost for the new building is estimated at RM5mil and the hospice is looking for caring Malaysians to contribute to its fund raising effort.

For more information, call 04-229 5481 or visit www.purelotushospice.com.