CHRISTMAS is mostly associated with the spirit of giving and nothing more captures this honourable gesture than the old boys of the oldest mission school in the country.
However, this spirit of self-sacrifice and the art of charitable endeavours is generally an everyday affair at St Xavier's Institution (SXI), Penang.
The alumni of the school along Farquhar Street go out of their way to honour their Alma Mater, especially with the clarion call of "Labor Omnia Vincit" (Labour Conquers All) harking in the background.
The school's Brother-Director Brother Jason Blaikie recently shared the past year's moments, including exciting plans for the future.
He congratulated author Nilesh Timbadia, who has pledged that the profits from his book sales "Coolie with a Degree" goes to the three schools linked to St Xavier's.
The schools are the primary branch in Pulau Tikus and the La Salle in Air Itam together with the secondary outfit of St Xavier's Institution in George Town.
Nilesh, a veteran journalist had worked with theSun, and in his insightful book, he penned his experiences growing up in Penang, his overseas education in the United States and his fight for the rights of Malaysians as a journalist.
Armed with a degree in economics, Nilesh explored the various challenges he had faced in adulthood but the lessons he had acquired from the school held him in good stead.
Blaikie said that Nilesh exemplifies the spirit of a Xaverian, where the art of giving is a constant pre-requisite.
"Xaverians may have fun and are loud but they are also accountable, kind and proud Malaysians," said Blaikie.
When the chips are down, a Xaverian will rise to the occasion, said Blaikie.
The school's alumni include famous Malaysians such as the late Tun Daim Zainuddin, the former Finance Minister, who is credited with transforming the economy.
Royalty is also part of the alumni, as in the case of Tengku Abdul Samad Shah, who has agreed to help the school on some matters.
Blaikie hopes that the spirit of giving will prevail next year, as SXI launches a series of charity drives to help boost its maintenance fund.
Held under the auspices of its mission fund, Blaikie said that the SXI plans to upgrade its spacious school field, which is across the SXI campus.
The field will have a water drainage system to resolve the waterlogged pitch and a 300 m rubberised track to boost athletics training.
SXI will also have its Scottish tartan colours, as approved by the authorities in Scotland.
Blaikie said that the spirit of giving is essential, as the school constantly needs funds for its maintenance.
The building is over two centuries old, and it was bombed twice - once by the Japanese Imperial Forces and by the Allied Forces during World War II.
And like the phoenix, it rises from the ashes.
Blaikie said that the charitable attitude of the old boys is what keeps him going in trying to make good the reputable name of SXI. - December 25, 2024
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