Gutierrez Garibi and Khatijah (fourth and fifth from left) at the cheque presentation ceremony. With them are the festival partners.
THE Latin Women’s Association of Malaysia (LWAM) raised RM78,950.74 for Rumah Amal Cheshire Selangor to help train disabled youth.
The funds were raised through the 14th Latin American Festival held in June and marked the highest amount ever raised through the festival for charity.
It was organised by the Embassies of the Group of Latin American and Caribbean in Malaysia in collaboration with Low Yat Group and Federal Hotels International, with the support of Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).
The annual festival showcases the diverse culture of Latin America.
“The substantial amount raised represents the hard work of the nine embassies of Latin American countries in Malaysia and our supportive Malaysian partners.
“It is a testament of goodwill and teamwork of multiple parties, making the funds raised for charity that much more meaningful,” said LWAM president Maria Cristina Gutierrez Garibi at a press conference in Kuala Lumpur.
The money will be used to finance The Food Cabin Cafe, which trains disabled young people for future employment in the hospitality industry.
The money will also be used to purchase equipment and for electrical installations.
Cheshire Home’s president Datin Paduka Khatijah Sulaiman expressed her gratitude to LWAM and its various partners in providing disabled youth a chance of better employment.
“This is a very emotional day for us as this year marks the 60th anniversary of Cheshire Home.
“We started our economic empowerment programme in 2007 to find ways for youth with disabilities to equip themselves for the working world, through our bakeries, sewing and handicraft workshops, and job coaching sessions.
“We discovered that most young people with disabilities love to work in cafe operations, and seeing this project come to life is simply amazing,” she said.
Khatijah said that having a cafe on the home’s grounds was a safe option as trainees were familiar with the surroundings and people.
“Our youth want to be included and appreciated just like any other member of society.
“Providing this opportunity for them is important in granting them a chance to be independent,” she added.
The Food Cabin Cafe is set to begin operations in September. Gutierrez Garibi and Khatijah (fourth and fifth from left) at the cheque presentation ceremony. With them are the festival partners. — ART CHEN/The Star
