Rotary Club of Macau celebrates landmark anniversary of Xmas Party for people with special needs

Press Release

Rotary Club of Macau celebrates landmark anniversary of Xmas Party for people with special needs

For immediate release

Nearly 400 people from five local associations working with people with special needs gathered at the Macau Tower Convention and Entertainment Centre on Saturday (7 December) to celebrate the 25th edition of the Joy to the World, a signature community service project of the Rotary Club of Macau.

The Joy to the World “Magic Xmas Garden” was organised by the Rotary Club and co-organised by the Fuhong Society of Macau, the Macau Special Olympics, the Association of Parents of the Mentally Handicapped, the Macau Down Syndrome Association and the Concordia School for Special Education, which is participating for the first time. Sands China joined as the event’s sponsor.

This signature community service project aims to provide a stage for young people with special needs to showcase their talents, affirm their potential and contribute to their integration into society.

The highlight of the event was the performance by service users from the five co-organising associations, who showcased the artistic skills they have developed over the past year. Their energetic dance moves and acrobatic displays brought waves of applause and cheers from the audience. This year’s Joy to the World also featured a magic show by Stanley Lam.

In keeping with this Rotary Year’s Presidential Theme: “The Magic of Rotary,”, VIP guests dressed as magicians and wizards with a touch of Christmas, while the venue was decorated with Christmas trees. Two life-size Santa Clauses roamed the venue, interacting with the party participants and handing out gifts to all service users. High tea was also served, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Members of the Rotary family, including Rotarians, Rotaractors, relatives and friends, as well as volunteers, took to the stage to sing several carols and later distribute Christmas gift packs to service users from the five associations.

Calvin Kuang, President of the Rotary Club of Macau expressed his hope that the event “showcases more joy and blessings through this magical Xmas Garden. The Rotary Club of Macau has always upheld the “Rotary Spirit”— “Service Above Self” and we will continue to create more diverse types of service projects to enhance public awareness of inclusivity, strengthen the self-worth of individuals with special needs, and pay attention to the mental health of caregivers.’

The 25th edition of the Joy to the World was graced by the attendance of Rotary International District 3450 (Hong Kong, Macau, Mongolia and Guangdong Province of the People’s Republic of China) Assistant Governor for Area 1 Macau, Mr Elvo Sou, President of Rotary Club of Macau Mr. Calvin Kuang, the Coordination Department, Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in Macau SAR, Senior Assistant Director, Mr Lai Jiale. Also present were representatives of the Macau Special Administrative Region Government’s Social Security Fund, Social Welfare Bureau Government and Health Bureau.

Top representatives of the five co-organisers, Fuhong Society of Macau, Macau Special Olympics, Association of Parents of the Mentally Handicapped, Macau Down Syndrome Association and Concordia School for Special Education were also present.

For media enquiries, please contact:

Project Chair:

President Calvin Kuang

Tel: 66632390

Email: calvinhua42@hotmail.com