(Standing, from third left) Chiew, Lim and MBPJ Zone 8 councillor Billy Wong Swee Sang, with Pua (seated, right), 8TV newscaster Tan Chia Yong (standing, far left) and members of the foundation at the press conference.
A thanksgiving dinner and singing talent competition are among events planned by Beautiful Gate (BG) Foundation to raise funds for its activities.
This year also marks the 30th anniversary of the foundation.
“Voice of BG Open” will take place at Paradigm Mall on Oct 7 from 2.30pm, while 1 Heart, 1 Mission Thanksgiving dinner will be held today at SJK(C) Puay Chai in SS2, Petaling Jaya.
BG Foundation director Chiew Toh Hie said the fundraising was to help meet the foundation’s annual operation costs amounting to about RM2mil.
He said the foundation had been around for 30 years, and they had trained some 3,000 people with disabilities.
“Established in 1993, the foundation has been there to provide support, care and assistance to individuals with disabilities.
“We have offered resources, support and increased public awareness of the challenges faced by people with disabilities daily.
“We will continue to provide support to a larger number of individuals with disabilities,” Chiew said.
He said the foundation aimed to broaden public understanding of the needs of people with disabilities and create a compassionate and inclusive society.
BG acting executive director Ivy Pua Ghin Chu said any sponsorship would allow them to provide essential support to a larger group of people by removing societal barriers and increasing awareness.
Kampung Tunku assemblyman Lim Yi Wei said she supported the cause and added that more should be done for people with disabilities and their community.
She said although Selangor was one of the first states to make progress in disability access, the community should be better represented in employment and receive legal protection.
“We have seen a number of cases on social media where facilities for the disabled were abused by the public, most commonly in carparks.
“Some go to the extent of asking an able-bodied friend in the car to pretend to be disabled just so that they can park in a spot designated for the disabled.”
Lim said there were no policies that offered protection for people with disabilities especially during the pre-interview stages of employment.
“There is also no clear guideline for the employment of a person with disabilities at the workplace.
“Society can do better, and we as the government can provide the support,” she said.
Chiew said the foundation had also set up its own coffee business that recruited people with disabilities to package BG Coffee.
“We source coffee beans from the Akha hill tribe people in Thailand.
“Our members roast the beans, grind them and pack them into sachets,” he said.
To purchase tickets to the Thanksgiving dinner, participate in Voice of BG Open or to donate, call Helen at 019-384 9921 or visit https://beautifulgate.org.my
