In the bustling cityscape of corporate life, it's easy to overlook the quieter corners where kindness and inclusion thrive. One such corner is illuminated by The Kindness Cookie Project, a heartwarming collaboration between EDOTCO and Generating Opportunity For Learning Disabilities (GOLD). But what makes this project truly special is the addition of EDOTCO Rangers Volunteers, who bring an extra dash of warmth and camaraderie to the baking sessions.

The Kindness Cookie Project has always been about more than just baking—it's about fostering empowerment and community support for young adults with learning disabilities. When EDOTCO Rangers Volunteers joined the mix, it added a new dimension to the project. These volunteers, hailing from diverse backgrounds within EDOTCO, bring a wealth of skills, experiences, and, most importantly, enthusiasm to the baking sessions.

One of the most beautiful aspects of The Kindness Cookie Project is the way it breaks down barriers and fosters genuine connections. As the aroma of freshly baked cookies fills the air, participants from GOLD and EDOTCO Rangers Volunteers come together, united by a shared passion for baking and a commitment to inclusion. In this space, differences fade into the background, and what emerges is a sense of belonging and mutual respect.

The presence of EDOTCO Rangers Volunteers not only provides practical assistance during the baking sessions but also creates opportunities for learning and growth. Through interactions with individuals with learning disabilities, volunteers gain a deeper understanding of their experiences, challenges, and strengths. It's a two-way street of learning, where everyone has something valuable to contribute.

As the trays of freshly baked cookies emerge from the oven, there's a sense of pride and accomplishment that fills the room. Together, participants and volunteers package the cookies with care, knowing that each box sold represents not just a tasty treat but also a gesture of kindness and support. The involvement of EDOTCO Rangers Volunteers adds an extra layer of meaning to the project, reinforcing the message that inclusion is everyone's responsibility.

The Kindness Cookie Project, a collaboration between EDOTCO and GOLD (Generating Opportunity For Learning Disabilities), exemplifies corporate social responsibility in action. This initiative goes beyond baking; it’s about empowering the potential of young adults with learning disabilities and fostering community support. The addition of more than 30 EDOTCO Rangers Volunteers has brought new spirits to the community. Volunteers from various departments within EDOTCO contribute their skills and passion, helping to prepare the cookies together with the community. The activity promotes skill development and emotional understanding, as volunteers and participants work side by side, interact with each other. The sale of cookies will then supports the cause, with each purchase representing a commitment to inclusion and kindness.

In Malaysia, the rise in Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnoses—589 children under 18 in 2021, a 5% increase from the previous year1—underscores the importance of such initiatives. The Kindness Cookie Project, an initiative of GOLD (Generating Opportunities for Learning Disabled), is a beacon of empowerment and inclusion. Spearheaded by Mdm Juairiah Hj Johari, the Vice Chairman and Advisor of GOLD, this project is more than just a baking endeavor—it's a step towards economic empowerment for individuals with learning disabilities.

Mdm Juairiah Hj Johari shares, _"At GOLD, we believe in nurturing the talents of those with learning disabilities, not just for their personal growth but for the enrichment of society as a whole. Every cookie sold is a pledge towards creating a more inclusive world."

Each cookie is crafted by People With Learning Disabilities (PWLD), symbolizing their journey towards becoming contributing members of society. The project underscores the importance of skill development, as baking requires precision and patience, qualities that are honed over time.

GOLD, registered under the number 1184-11-SEL, operates from Kompleks 3C MPSJ in the heart of Petaling Jaya. The Kindness Cookie Project is one of their key initiatives, inviting the public to support through purchases that contribute to the long-term development of the participants.

The organization seeks support to maintain its training programs, which are essential for providing PWLD with the opportunity to perfect their craft. By purchasing Kindness Cookies, customers not only enjoy a delicious treat but also contribute to sustaining the quality of these cookies, made with the finest ingredients.

Learn more about The Kindness Cookie Project at https://eatkindness.my

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Written by

Shasha Athira Shaharuddin
Lead,
Corporate Social Responsibility.