Starhill Gallery's Christmas Charity Drive Activation with Dignity for Children Foundation

Just yesterday, I was at Starhill Gallery for their Charity Drive activation. The Dignity for Children Foundation (Dignity), a learning centre with 1,000 poor and vulnerable children age 2 to 17 years old, yesterday received strong endorsements from British mezzo-soprano Ms. Carly Paoli and Starhill Gallery as part of Starhill Gallery’s Christmas Charity Drive. Read on below for some photos taken at the event. 

Starhill Gallery's Christmas Charity Drive Activation with Dignity for Children Foundation

Ms. Carly Paoli is a UNICEF ambassador and one of the most talented singers rising fast in the world of classical music. Having performed at a string of high profile events including her recent performance at the Caracalla for UNICEF concert in Rome, Italy with the legendary José Carreras and Andrea Bocelli, the young musical prodigy is in town to perform at the upcoming Tourism and Culture Gala Night: Watch and Jewellery of the Year Awards Presentation alongside Italian tenor Alessandro Safina which will be held on 27 November 2015, marking the finale of the on-going A Journey Through Time IX.

Children from the Dignity for Children Foundation at the Christmas Charity Drive Activation event. 

“Our future is built on the ability of our children to dream, pursue their dreams and inspire others to believe in a better tomorrow. I have been fortunate enough to meet people, teachers and supporters who are helping me climb new heights in my dreams every day. Being able to support an organisation like Dignity for Children Foundation is a privilege and I look forward to seeing the amazing individuals who come out of this great programme and other similar organisations’ efforts around the world,” said Ms. Carly Paoli.

Ms Carly Paoli performing for the children, and guests present

Looking really sweet

The month-long Christmas Charity Drive was launched at the Christmas activation event when Ms. Carly Paoli activated a Christmas ferris-wheel followed by her giving away gifts to 30 children from Dignity who were present at the ceremony. The gifts to fulfil the children’s wishes were generously donated by Starhill Gallery and its esteemed tenants, namely Bedat & Co, Carrera y Carrera, Cecil Purnell, Cortina, Garrard & Co, Gübelin, Hermès and Mouawad. 

Everyone of the children got a present

Starhill Gallery’s special guests at the event – the children from Dignity for Children Foundation were treated with special performance by the sensational Ms. Carly Paoli who mesmerised everyone in attendance at Newens Tea House. The lovely afternoon was capped with afternoon tea enjoyed amidst the festive sounds of Christmas carollers. 

Afternoon tea at Newens Tea House for the children

 Christmas carollers singing along

Patrons of Starhill Gallery are invited to participate in the Starhill Gallery’s Christmas Charity Drive by visiting the Christmas Tree located next to the Starhill Gallery’s Concierge at Indulge Floor. Patrons may pick from the Christmas tree, wish-cards of the children from Dignity so that they can help to purchase the gifts for them. 

The gifts are then to be passed on to the Starhill Gallery’s Concierge by 18 December 2015. Starhill Gallery will then deliver the gifts to the Foundation before Christmas to ensure that the children end the year on a high note.

Sweet children enjoying the performances

The month-long Christmas Charity Drive is part of the Starhill Gallery’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative under the YTL Group’s objective to grow and nurture the potential of Malaysia’s future generation of achievers. These have been carried out through various programmes which include engaging and supporting local community groups, social institutions and non-profit organisations as well as supporting educational initiatives to develop future generations of leaders.

One for the album

Helping Children with Dignity

The Dignity for Children Foundation aims to empower underprivileged urban poor children to break the cycle of poverty through quality education, positively transforming their lives and the lives of the community around them.  Supported by contributions from members of the public, corporations and most recently visited by visiting US President Barack Obama, Dignity achieves this by establishing a high quality learning centre under one roof for the poor; implementing specialised learning environments to develop children academically and socially thus empowering them to become productive members of society.

Started more than 15 years ago in the district of Sentul in the capital of Malaysia with only 20 students, Dignity is now serves the need of 1,000 poor and vulnerable children ranging from 2 to17 years old.  It provides quality education and care in a secure environment for children in pre-school to Form 5.