Throughout the month of March, a series of events were held in honour of Earth Hour at Meru Valley Resort. Similar events were held around the world.
It kick-started with the Earth Hour Pledge Campaign and towel sales from March 5 to 24. The public was encouraged to write messages on printed leaves and tie them to the pledge tree branches at the Dome Restaurant.
Face towels were on sale at all outlets of the resort at RM10 a piece. Proceeds from the sales were remitted to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Malaysia.
On Saturday, March 24, a number of events were lined up. The day began with a 5km Earth Hour Morning Walk at 7.30am. Over 80 members, residents and staff from associate companies of Meru Valley participated. They were in white Earth Hour T-shirts and holding miniature flags. After the walk, participants gathered to form the 60+ formation and a drone was used to take footage.
The next event was a treasure hunt for all ages. Some 20 adults and 10 children, between 7-12 years old, took part. Each contestant was given question sheets to answer. Adult participants received a 50-percent-discounted-foot-massage voucher each while the top three winners won free foot massages. The children received gift hampers.
The Earth Hour Health Day was a joint effort by Meru Eco Clinic, KPJ Ipoh Specialist Hospital and Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun Ipoh. A blood donation drive and free health screening were on the cards too.
Health talks by Dr Monesh Pillai from Meru Eco Clinic and Dr Lee Mun Toong from KPJ Ipoh Specialist Hospital were also organised.
March 24 also marked the Earth Hour Recycling Day and Earth Hour Golf Day. In the evening, guests were invited to partake in the lighting-up of the iconic 60+ formation at the swimming deck. The Earth Hour 60+ Countdown began at 8.29pm.
Concluding the month-long celebration was the Earth Hour Candlelight Dinner at the Dome Restaurant. Attendees enjoyed a 3-course set dinner. A 2-person acoustic stroller band was on hand to entertain the diners while they cooled themselves with hand-held paper fans.
As they sat, the lights began to dim and at 8.30pm they were switched off for an hour. It was a fitting end to this year’s Earth Hour.
Amy Chan
