Ong (sixth right) discussing the project’s progress with the old boys and redevelopment committee members near the construction site at St Xavier’s Institution in Lebuh Farquhar, Penang.

THEY have no qualms about collecting funds among themselves when it comes to their alma mater in Penang.

St Xavier’s Institution (SXI) Class of ‘78 spokesman Tan Lye Heng said they decided to collect the funds during a recent school reunion.

“We had a dinner on June 4 and we managed to collect RM60,000.

“It was a joint effort by all,” he said last Friday.

SXI redevelopment committee chairman Tan Sri Ong Gim Huat said it was an admirable gesture by the old boys to give back to the school.

“We hope to collect RM2mil to turn the Brothers’ garage into a three-storey block of classrooms while SK St Xavier’s branch in Pulau Tikus also needs a school hall.

“In the recent walkathon, the school managed to raise RM220,000,” he said.

“Recently, there were also several generous donors including those who were not Xaverians.

“We are still short of about RM700,000,” he said during a mock cheque presentation ceremony.

Ong added that those who donated RM1,000 and above would have their names engraved on a plaque of donor’s list.

It will be placed within the school compound.

Construction works for the new building started last month and is expected to finish next March.

The school’s parent-teacher association chairman Adrian Lee, who is also the redevelopment committee secretary, said donations made to the foundation were tax-exempted.

For more information, email SXIredevelopment2015@gmail.com or call 012-4882021.