Beautiful Gate (BG) Foundation is organizing a series of events, including a thanksgiving dinner and singing talent competition, to raise funds for its activities. This year also marks the foundation’s 30th anniversary. “Voice of BG Open” will be held at Paradigm Mall on Oct 7 from 2.30pm, while the “1 Heart, 1 Mission” thanksgiving dinner will take place today at SJK(C) Puay Chai in SS2, Petaling Jaya.
The fundraising efforts aim to cover the foundation’s annual operation costs, which amount to approximately RM2 million, according to BG Foundation director Chiew Toh Hie. Over the past three decades, the foundation has trained around 3,000 individuals with disabilities. Chiew highlighted that the foundation, established in 1993, has been providing support, care, and assistance to people with disabilities, offering resources, support, and increasing public awareness about the challenges they face on a daily basis. Their goal is to continue supporting a larger number of individuals with disabilities and promote public understanding of their needs, contributing to the creation of a compassionate and inclusive society.
Ivy Pua Ghin Chu, acting executive director of BG Foundation, emphasized that any form of sponsorship received would enable them to provide essential support to a wider group of people by removing societal barriers and increasing awareness. Kampung Tunku assemblyman Lim Yi Wei expressed her support for the cause, advocating for more initiatives to be undertaken in support of people with disabilities and their community. While Selangor has made progress in terms of disability access, she believes that the community should be better represented in employment and receive legal protection. Lim also highlighted instances where facilities for the disabled were abused by the public, such as able-bodied individuals misusing disabled parking spots. She pointed out the lack of policies and clear guidelines for the employment of people with disabilities and called for society and the government to do better in providing the necessary support.
In addition to their advocacy efforts, BG Foundation has established its own coffee business that provides employment opportunities for people with disabilities. The foundation sources coffee beans from the Akha hill tribe people in Thailand, and its members are involved in the process of roasting, grinding, and packaging the coffee into sachets. For those interested in participating in the thanksgiving dinner, the Voice of BG Open singing talent competition, or wishing to donate, they can contact Helen at 019-384 9921 or visit https://beautifulgate.org.my.
Credit: The Star : Metro Feed
