By V. Sivaji

In keeping with their policy of caring for the surrounding community, Hard Rock Hotel Penang hosted some 208 underprivileged kids and youths with disabilities for an early Christmas cheer.

The participants were from ESDA-Persatuan Perkhidmatan Komuniti Taiping, Chrystal Home, Persatuan Kebajikan Rumah Penyayang Ren Ai (Home of Love), Good Start Learning Center, House of Hope, Children of Deaf Adults (CODA) and The Salvation Army Penang Children’s Home.

Joining hands for the commendable effort was the Hard Rock Cafe Penang and YMCA Penang who helped co-host a charitable Christmas party recently.

The charity event is themed “Rock It Out Christmas Party.” and part of the hotel’s Hard Rock Heals Foundation banner which aims to raise funds, provide educational aid.

Ninety volunteers from the three organisations were on hand to ensure everything went smoothly.

Among the highlights were a magic show, dance performances from the hotel’s Vibe team, Annie Dance World and a Christmas Sing-Along by Mustard Children, a teenage band from Prince of Wales International School.

The five-piece band aims to be a source of inspiration through the
‘Music School of Hard Rock’ programme, that provides underprivileged musically-inclined kids and youths with access to music lessons, musical instruments and performance opportunities in a music studio sponsored by Hard Rock Heals Foundation.

“Giving back to the local community has always been a significant aspect of the Hard Rock brand and culture.

“Hard Rock Hotel Penang and Hard Rock Cafe Penang has been supporting many philanthropic causes including various altruistic programmes by our partners with a like-minded vision and mission.

“Our focus in giving back to the community signifies our strong commitment to our motto ‘Love All – Serve All’.

“We are proud to co-organise such a significant event with YMCA Penang to help the needy within the local community, improve lives and infusing the power of music into all we do, wherever we are.” said Michael Smeeton, Executive Assistant Manager of Hard Rock Hotel Penang.