KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 1 — Finalists of Miss Tourism International 2017 made children’s’ wishes come true as they went "hunting” for Christmas presents at the Sunway Putra Mall yesterday. 

Guided by the staff from the mall, 48 contest finalists joined the programme that brought cheers and smiles to some 50 children from two homes — the Destiny Starting Point Klang and the Dialogue in the Dark Academy (DID). 

Given only 15 minutes, the beauty queens were required to go "present-hunting” for the children aged between 4 to 17-years-old based on their wish-list only in selected outlets in the mall.

The children’s Christmas present requests included school bags, toiletries, clothes and toys such as dolls, cars and figurines among others. 

Miss Malaysia Melissa Ng Sook Khuan said she felt a deep connection with the child assigned to her, Naomi Nashini from DID, as they both enjoyed art. 

"It is such a privilege to know that I can contribute to the creative development of a child just by buying a gift for her.

"I enjoy painting, drawing and everything related to art, so when I was told my assigned child wanted an art set I knew exactly what to get for 
her,” she said.  

"I got her a colour pencil set, paint brushes and a sketchbook for her to express herself with, I may not know her well, but at least I managed to bless her with some gifts,” added Melissa. 

The event was witnessed by Sunway Malls & Theme Parks Chief Executive Officer Chan Hoi Choy, Sunway Malls’ Chief Operating Officer Kevin Tan and Sunway Putra Mall General Manager Phang Sau Lian. 

"We hope to inspire people to remember the less fortunate and give them some form of support, be it in contributions through cash or kind,” he said. 

"We want to create a more compassionate, kind and peaceful community in ushering the fast-approaching Christmas season.” 

The project is in its third year, and new participating homes are chosen each year to allow for equal opportunities. 

In addition to the hunt, Sunway Putra Mall will also be hosting Christmas-themed workshops such as gingerbread-man decorating, ornament and wooden toy decorating from now till Dec 17. 

Shoppers can also contribute by donating food supplies, toys and school essentials for the children through the Gift Bank, located at the Main Concourse. 

This is in line with the spirit of giving and sharing and to encourage the community to give back to those in need during the festive season.