FMBA to support two local charities this year

Dominic Choi and Rutger Verschuren (right)

The France Macau Business Association (FMBA) introduced its donation beneficiaries for this year at its press conference yesterday at Grand Lapa.
This year, FMBA will support Architecture Sans Frontiers Macau (ASF), a local non-profit organization working with different sectors of society to promote being a sustainable community, highlighting environmental conservation, cultural diversity and heritage. The other beneficiary will be Cradle of Hope, a non-profit organization that supports orphan children from when they are born to 18 years of age.
The Chairman of FMBA, Rutger Verschuren, says that it wasn’t easy finding a charity to support, as there are several charities in the city.
“Every year, we choose a charity beneficiary and this time it wasn’t easy to find because there are a lot of charities in Macau. ASF has a connection with France, which is very important, but it is still local and that’s a unique combination for us because we have strong support from the local community,” Mr Verschuren said.
ASF launched its first pilot of the Humanitarian Project in 2013 called “Project Yolanda,” which was done in collaboration with Macau Anglican College, the Rotary Club of Macau and other local organizations. “Project Yolanda” was undertaken to assist in the aftermath of the disastrous storm that hit the Philippines in 2013.
The association aimed to help restore five schools that needed assistance for reconstruction in Roxas City, Philippines.
“We started with rebuilding two classrooms in one of the high schools in the city called Dumulog National High School, because it was in the most need of help,” said the founding president of ASF, Dominic Choi, while presenting pictures of the rebuilt classrooms. “In October 2015, the two classrooms were completed.”
Apart from fundraising locally in Macau, ASF has successfully donated over 1,000 books, laptop computers and bookshelves with the help of its donors. However, he noted that there is more to be done.
This year’s project is named “Project Cradle” and they are targeting the younger group aged between birth and six- years-old.
“They need to ensure the environment is safe, rather than dealing with a beauty and aesthetic issue,” said Choi. He added that they conducted a site visit to see the areas that need assistance, as they lack professional advice when it comes to architectural counseling.
FMBA and ASF are expecting estimated expenses totaling MOP400,000 for “Project Cradle,” and are hoping to finish the project within two to three months with the assistance of professional volunteers.
The FMBA Charity Gala Dinner 2016 will be held on January 22 at the Grand Ballroom of MGM Macau with the theme of “Shanghai le Paris de l’Orient.”
All proceeds from the event will be given to its beneficiaries.