MGM, Fu Hong hold walk to raise mental awareness

To celebrate the 15th anniversary of the Fu Hong Society of Macau, the non-profit organization held its first edition of “Let’s Walk for Love,” an activity that aims to promote physical wellbeing and raise awareness of mental health issues.

Co-hosted by MGM China, the charity walk attracted hundreds of volunteers to participate in a three-kilometer walk through Trilho da Taipa Grande.

“In our community, we have many people suffering from [poor] mental health. With this event, we want to raise awareness among the community,” said Fatima Ferreira, president of the General Assembly of Fu Hong Society of Macau.

Ferreira implied that the number of residents affected by poor mental health is gradually increasing. “Everyday, we can have new cases,” she noted.

“Let’s Walk for Love” is just one of the activities the organization is holding to commemorate its 15th anniversary.

The society will be hosting a series of programs on disability art and art performance, fundraising drives, an attempt at a Guinness World Record, as well as expanding its other services, including the opening of Pou Lei Centre -and Happy Art Studio in July and August, amongst other activities.

Yesterday’s event also attracted some 200 MGM employees, volunteers and relatives to participate in the charity walk.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the event, Grant Bowie, CEO and executive director of MGM China, said, “[Fu Hong Society has] allowed us in Macau to celebrate the talent and capabilities [and] has allowed their members to shine.”

“I think it’s important for us to Macau to realize that the government [should] invest a lot in our community,” he added, citing the facilities it offers to allow for crowds to gather.

“Let’s Walk for Love” also featured a singing performance, face painting booths for participants, as well as souvenirs booths for products created by persons with disabilities.  LV

Company waiting for approval of smoking rooms

MGM China CEO and executive director Grant Bowie confirmed that the gaming operator has submitted a request to the Land, Public Works and Transport Bureau and the Health Bureau seeking permission to operate smoking rooms.

“We’re working with the government. Yes, we would like to see it speed up but we understand that there are a lot of rooms that need to be approved,” he told the press on the sidelines of the “Let’s Walk for Love” event.

Bowie also expressed his confidence in the continuous growth of the city’s gaming revenue.

“In Macau, we’re very fortunate that our revenues seem to be very stable. We’re confident and comfortable as we move forward. I think the reports had been indicating this month has been slightly lower but that’s actually normal after a holiday period,” the executive added.