FMCC holds fundraiser for supporting inclusivity, the Olympics and autism

This September, Macau’s France Macau Chamber of Commerce (FMCC) will host its 17th Annual Charity Gala Dinner 2025, combining French elegance with a mission to support neurodiverse youth and cross-border community programs.

“At a press conference yesterday, the organizer announced that this year’s event, themed ‘Voyage on the Seine,’ will be held on September 19 at 6:30 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom of MGM Macau.”

The gala will feature an evening of French-inspired gourmet dining, performances from Royal Star Creative, live music from a Hong Kong band, and a lucky draw.

In addition to the entertainment, the gala will once again host the “Macau ESG Awards 2025,” honoring outstanding contributions to Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives within Macau.

This year’s FMCC gala will also emphasize its philanthropic mission, extending its impact by supporting local charity programs reaching Hengqin and Zhuhai.

The 2025 FMCC Gala Funds will support the “FMCC Hengqin-Macau Inclusive Fun Day,” organized by the Macau Special Olympics (MSO) and Zhuhai Autism Society (ZAS).

Harrow Hengqin International School has provided its campus for the Fun Day, scheduled for November 22.

The initiatives of this event promote social integration and family bonding for individuals with intellectual divergence through cross-border activities, including music therapy, adaptive sports, and parent-child collaborations.

Charles He, founder and vice president of ZAS, shared during the press conference, “We empower teenagers through sports, music, arts, and craftsmanship, while also providing workshops and creative activities for parents to relieve stress and enhance communication.”

Speaking to the press, FMCC chairman Rutger Verschuren noted, “The charity aspect of our chamber’s annual gala dinner this year focuses on neurodiversity, making it a very unique event.”

He continued, “This will be one of the first times we hold an event in Hengqin, just across the border. Given the easing of border crossing rules, we believe that the border is virtually nonexistent for us; our focus is on ensuring a smooth experience for everyone and creating a fantastic day in November that benefits the Macau community.”

Last year, the gala raised over MOP60,000, which was donated to Oxfam Macau’s Paper Recycling Initiative. Times Reporter