The Corporation Changhua Country Joyce-Polio Care Association has been established for 19 years. Its goal is to create an environment that can provide comprehensive care for people with disabilities in their old age - POLIO HOME. The protected disabled individuals here are referred to as Polio Angels. Their innate limitations make it difficult for Polio Angels to have the same level of convenience in their daily activities as normal people, and they often need to rely on their families for care throughout their lives. With the assistance of the association, Polio Angels have access to employment opportunities like ordinary people, and some even become helpers of others. Through the various services provided by "Polio Home", more disabled individuals and their families are helped, their lives are improved, their self-realization is promoted, and the value of life is highlighted.
The Ai Jia Bei sheltered workshop is located in Fangyuan Township, Changhua County. It provides a friendly working environment for people with physical and mental disabilities. Originally, the main focus was on the design and transfer of books, official documents, envelopes, various graphic design manuals, DMs, business cards, and personalized products for government agencies and companies. The workshop also actively develops designs and prints lottery red envelopes for over 5,000 national betting stations. Luis Chu from Central and South America introduced coffee from the region to Taiwan. He provided people with physical and mental disabilities with professional skills related to coffee and developed his own brand, Still Coffee. This means sharing God's love and allowing everyone who tastes coffee to experience society's truth, goodness, and beauty.
The charity music banquet and art exhibition was held on August 25th, 2023. The event showcased 200 creative works, each one painted with colorful brushes under the personal guidance of Ms. Zhang Yanshu, the art and culture director of the Da-You family office, and Mr. Zheng, a visionary educator. Ten Polio Angels and one mission-driven educator were involved in the creation process. Every painting represents the purest and most innocent dream world in the hearts of Polio Angels. The funds raised from this charity event will be used to subsidize the retirement life of the Polio Angels, bringing them more comfort and support.
On that day, the founder of the Da-You family office, Mr. Huang Honglong, also known as the "Iron Lung Giant", was specially invited to attend. Mr. Huang himself is a severe polio patient who has undergone five surgeries. However, he did not succumb to self-pity and instead constantly changed his mindset. He has participated in over a hundred speeches throughout Taiwan to share the joy of life and convey his own story that the human spirit cannot be diminished by physical disabilities, and can even be extended infinitely.
Yushan(Jade Mountain), located in Taiwan, is the highest peak in Northeast Asia as well as in Taiwan. It symbolizes the magnificent natural landscape and the spirit of struggle and entrepreneurship of the Taiwanese people. This mountain is not only a natural pride but also one of the symbols of the Taiwanese people. Under the recommendation of Mr. Huang Honglong, 48 Polio Angels from the Ai Jia Bei factory, guided by Ms. Zhang Yanshu, created a magnificent painting by combining 48 small oil paintings. It showcased the beautiful scenery of Yushan with chrysanthemums blooming all over the mountains and the sunset shining on it. This painting is not only a piece of art but also proof of self-creation.
Yushan is not only a high mountain but also a symbol of overcoming difficulties and pursuing excellence. This spirit has always existed in Taiwan's history and has inspired people to work hard and continuously create remarkable achievements. Just like the Berlioz Angels, their innate shortcomings make their life paths more difficult than others. However, as long as they continue to overcome difficulties, they can create value.
Layana founder Layard Lai and his wife Jenny Yang donated NT$100,000 to support the POLIO HOME and sponsor the Lukang Qingxi Art Center. They provided the gallery and restaurant with each of Polio angel's artworks for dining and VIP appreciation and love subscriptions.
Organizer: The Corporation Changhua Country Joyce-Polio Care Association Ai Jia Bei Sheltered Workshop
Co-organizers: Chang Gung Education Foundation, Chang Gung Alumni Association, Chang Gung International Lions Club, Changhua International Orchid Exchange Association, Dalibo Workshop, Da-You Family Office, Berlioz Advisory Group.