Mayor Chu makes pizzas with “Children Are Us” youths
Under the counsel of New Taipei City’s Labor Affairs Department, the 22nd Shelter Factory opened today (2/11). As a show of support, Mayor Chu Liluan was present at the event, where he and the handicapped youths made pizzas and shared coffee together. The mayor also bought bread and desserts as encouragement towards the ideal of handicapped youths building self-sufficient lives.
Mayor Chu said that he has been a loyal customer of the Shelter Factory; he would often purchase “Children Are Us” bread and coffee for breakfast. He thanked the Children Are Us Foundation for providing vocational training and helping youths with mental retardation build self-sufficient lives and vocations.
The Labor Affairs Department reports that the “Banqiao Bakery” is the foundation’s third Shelter Factory (the other two stores are located at Zhonghe and Tucheng). This bakery will provide 12 mentally handicapped persons with employment. The store will also carry organic vegetables, toxic-free and natural ingredients, and fair-trade food items. Through professional counseling and training, the store aims to help the handicapped youths find value and confidence through their jobs.
The Labor Affairs Department also pointed out that the Banqiao Bakery is having a promotional event until the end of February, where each single purchase of NT$100 or above is eligible for a NT$100 gift certificate, which can be used towards the future visits. The store itself can seat up to 30 people; all friends and citizens are welcomed to come to the store and show their support. Contact phone number: (02)2963-0135; address: 90 Heping Road, 1F, Banqiao District, New Taipei City.
For more information: Labor Affairs Department, Xia Leyang. Phone number: 1999 or (02)2960-3456 ext. 6487