Jakarta, Indonesia – September 22, 2023 – Internationally acclaimed Wing Chun Kung Fu Master, Maurice Novoa, alongside his fiancée Thirza, with roots in Indonesian and West Papuan heritage, has embarked on a mission of compassion and transformation in Jakarta this month. Their philanthropic journey has already left a profound impact on the city’s less fortunate residents.
Their remarkable journey began with a simple yet heartwarming act of kindness as they traversed the streets of Jakarta, distributing packets of chicken and rice to those in need. Their generosity touched the hearts of many, particularly those who depend on such support for their survival. In total, they shared 105 meals, providing sustenance and hope to those facing hardship.
On August 4th, Maurice and Thirza paid a visit to “Rumah Hebat Anak Indonesia” (RHAI), a registered nonprofit organization dedicated to providing education to children facing challenges attending school due to administrative issues. Situated in South Jakarta, RHAI currently serves approximately 40 to 50 students aged 5 to 14, all instructed by dedicated volunteers from SMA Kanisius Jakarta. RHAI’s mission is clear: to offer quality education to every child, regardless of their background, ensuring they have the opportunity to learn and achieve their full potential. RHAI offers a range of programs, from academic classes to extracurricular activities, all while diligently providing students with the support they need for both academic and personal success.
In a touching gesture, Maurice Novoa donated two boxes of brand new martial arts mitts and boxing gloves to RHAI, gifts generously provided by Catherine Tan of Tans Martial Arts in Melbourne. Beyond the gift-giving, Maurice also shared his martial arts expertise with the children, instructing them on offensive and defensive fighting stances alongside Master Wulang, a martial arts instructor based in Jakarta.
Maurice’s visit extended even further in impact when he conducted a martial arts workshop at the Kali Majapahit martial arts club, owned by Head Instructor Wulung Damardoto, on September 7th. During this workshop, participants learned defensive footwork techniques against knife attacks, incorporating elements from basketball movements to make self-defense techniques practical and accessible. Additionally, Maurice imparted the knowledge of the most potent elbow strike developed by Wing Chun Grandmaster Pan Nam. The workshop’s success was unprecedented, with Wulung describing it as the most successful fundraising event in the club’s history. To provide context, the workshop raised $750, a significant sum in a country where daily income from recycling barely reaches $2. This amount would represent a staggering $16,000 in Maurice Novoa’s home country, Australia.
In a final act of generosity, adult-sized boxing gloves donated by Tans Martial Arts in Melbourne were gifted to a local boxing gym whose members attended the workshop in a show of support.
Maurice Novoa’s philanthropic journey stands as a testament to the transformative power of kindness and martial arts. His unwavering dedication to making a difference in Jakarta continues to inspire, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of those in need.
Generosity Knows No Borders: Maurice Novoa’s Compassion Reaches Jakarta’s Orphanage
Jakarta, Indonesia – September 22, 2023 – In a gesture of generosity that has deeply touched the martial arts community, Wing Chun Kung Fu Master Maurice Novoa visited the Pondok Kasih Agape orphanage in Jakarta earlier this month to deliver a donation raised through his martial arts workshop. This record-breaking fundraising event, hosted by a martial arts club with no prior connection to Novoa, has left an enduring impression on all involved.
On September 7th, accompanied by his girlfriend Thirza, Maurice Novoa arrived at Pondok Kasih Agape with hope and love in his heart. The donation, totaling $500, included two days’ worth of provisions to feed all the orphanage’s children, valued at approximately $200, covering their usual expenses. Part of the donation came from Maurice’s niece Sharon, his brother Javier, his best friend, and two of his students. In addition to this generous gesture, Maurice shared a meal with the children and brightened their faces with chocolates and treats that filled the air with joy.
What makes this event even more special is that, unlike his customary practice, this event was not held at one of Maurice Novoa’s students’ clubs. The host, Master Wulung Damardoto of the Kalimajapahit Martial Arts Club, had no prior connection to Maurice Novoa or his style of martial arts. This showcases the extent of the positive impact Maurice Novoa is having beyond his traditional circles.
Pondok Kasih Agape is an orphanage providing care and support to less fortunate children in Indonesia. Children come to this sanctuary due to various reasons, such as the loss of their parents or separation caused by natural disasters like floods, tsunamis, and earthquakes affecting different regions of Indonesia. At Pondok Kasih Agape, children find a place where they can build a better life, learn independence, cooperation, and connect with God.
Maurice Novoa’s donation, along with contributions from his niece, brother, friend, and students, will help sustain the 80 children at the orphanage and send them to a good Christian private school. This noble action brings hope to these children and provides them with the opportunity for a brighter future.
Maurice Novoa’s visit not only leaves a lasting impression on the hearts of the orphanage’s children but also demonstrates how love and generosity can transcend borders and unite people from different cultures and backgrounds in a common cause: providing a better future for the less fortunate.
The Jakarta martial arts community and beyond applaud Maurice Novoa’s initiative and look forward to seeing how this noble act inspires others to follow his example. His kindness reminds us that, regardless of our origins, we can all make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.
Jurnalis yang tertarik untuk meliput cerita ini dapat menghubungi: Maurice Novoa di +61 402857777 di Australia atau +62 81283640579 di Indonesia. Atau melalui situs: Sifu.Maurice.net.au atau halaman Facebook Melbourne Sport and Street Wing Chun Kung Fu.
Untuk mendaftar seminar, kunjungi www.sifu.maurice.net.au atau untuk melakukan donasi ke Pondok Kasih Agape Orphanage, kunjungi https://pondokkasihagapeorphanage.wordpress.com/
