JOHOR BARU: For restaurant operator Patricia Eng, nothing is as meaningful as treating a group of 21 orphans as her first batch of guests to dine at her newly-opened café in Taman Molek here.
The occasion was more meaningful as it coincided with the Merdeka Day celebration.
The children aged 6 to 16 were from the Berkat Children's Home and Pertubuhan Kebajikan Puspanesam here.
They were treated to games, magic shows, special performances and balloon art as they enjoyed scrumptious western dishes and dessert.
Food In Garden (FIG) Café officially opened its doors to customers today and Eng decided it will be memorable to have the children as her first batch of guests.
She invited entertainer Edward Leong, who dressed up as a clown and kept the children and walk-in customers in stitches with a slapstick performance and magic shows.
“Some of the children never experienced being in a café environment, so this Merdeka is their day. "We want to serve and bring joy to these children who don’t get an opportunity to dine out and have a treat,” said Eng.
She said she was doing her bit to bring cheer to the less fortunate as she believed every one could give back to the community in some way.
“We are always happy when we are given presents, but nothing beats receiving wide smiles and happiness from orphans,” she said, adding the event will be a yearly affair.
Desmond Leong who arranged for the children to dine at the cafe said:
“We could not miss this opportunity to make a difference in the lives of these children, especially on our National Day where we try to instill the love of country and community."
Leong has been involved in many charity projects and is committed to the motto of “Service above Self”.
The party wrapped up with a gift-giving session which saw the children receiving school bags, shoes, stationery sets and several other items.
Before leaving the café, the children displayed their sense of patriotism by singing the national anthem ‘Negaraku’ in a fitting finale.