Wow, what an emotional evening...the grand opening of Love 21's new center after their old one was burned down - out of the ashes grew a phoenix 🧡🧡🧡
Last night was truly special. The air was thick with anticipation as Novy and I, representing Run for Freedom, entered Love 21's new center for the very first time. We had heard of the challenges they had faced, the resilience they had shown, and the support they had received. However, nothing could prepare us for the energy, joy, and inspiration that awaited us inside.
As we stepped through the doors of Love 21's new home, we were greeted by the smiling faces of their members and families. It was a moment that left us occasionally teary-eyed, speechless at times, but mostly grinning from ear to ear 😁😀😁. It was clear that this was a place of boundless positivity and hope.
Our evening was filled with wonderful moments, from meeting everyone to dancing to lively tunes. In particular, we were led on a merry dance across the room by Dicky, a charismatic and charming individual with Down syndrome. With a twinkle in his eye and a heartwarming smile, he even managed to sell us a coffee coaster. What a salesman 🧡!
Love 21, the remarkable charity behind this heartwarming celebration, empowers the Down syndrome and autistic community in Hong Kong through a range of life-enriching programs. These include sports, nutrition, and holistic support initiatives. Their comprehensive nutrition program, launched in 2021, offers one-on-one nutritional support alongside their sports classes. More recently, they've expanded their services to provide counseling support for the parents of their community.
I'm elated that Run for Freedom was able to contribute, even in our small way, to help make this new center a reality. We were honored with a plaque on the wall, a reminder of the collective effort that has gone into building a space filled with love and support. A heartfelt thank you goes out to everyone who made donations and supported us on this journey. Your generosity and kindness are truly helping to make a difference, one step at a time.
It's amazing to think that it all started with a single step. Through the Run for Freedom movement, we've been able to create a ripple of positive change in countless lives.
As we continue to "Run for Freedom, we run for those who can't." 🏃♂️🏃♀️
Love 21 - https://love21foundation.com/
"Jo Lodder and Novy are a dynamic duo, each with their own remarkable contributions to the world. Jo is a trail runner, business leader, and philanthropist, known for his trailblazing spirit. He is the co-founder of JNW Asia, a prominent property marketing company based in Hong Kong that specializes in Niseko projects. Jo is also a master agent of SnowDog, a renowned hospitality brand. However, what truly sets him apart is his unique achievement: being the first person in history to conquer the HK5Trails in Hong Kong while championing the 'Run for Freedom' challenge to raise funds for charity.
Novy, on the other hand, is a culinary virtuoso with a passion for traditional Indonesian cuisine. As a private chef, she runs Novy's Kitchen (novyskitchen.com), where she brings the authentic flavours of Indonesia to the world. Her culinary expertise adds a unique and delightful dimension to their journey, combining adventure and entrepreneurship with the rich tapestry of Indonesian gastronomy. Together, Jo and Novy share a profound commitment to helping others and a relentless drive for success, inspiring everyone they encounter through their love of adventure and their culinary creations."
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