A local Sunshine North not-for-profit organisation has made its way onto the shelves of the gift shop in Parliament House in Canberra.
Kenshi Life-Changing Candles, which are made by not-for-profit Chin-Myanmar Community Care (CMCC), is one of just 10 Victorian companies chosen to have their products featured in the Parliament House gift shop.
The announcement came on November 30, with the federal government launching the National Showcase, a new initiative aimed at promoting Australian products from across the nation in the Parliament Gift Shop. Victoria is the first state to be highlighted in this initiative.
Kenshi Life-Changing Candles was set up in 2018 by the then 14-year-old Liam Foldi. With Liam studying overseas, Chin-Myanmar Community Care has taken over the operation of the business, after signing a memorandum of understanding.
CMCC, which was founded by Jacob Thang, a refugee from the persecuted Chin community in Myanmar, is a not-for-profit that provides employment, education and training support, settlement assistance, advocacy and referral advice to culturally and linguistically diverse communities, as well as those from refugee-like backgrounds.
Mr Thang said he was thrilled that Kenshi Life-Changing Candles would be part of the National Showcase.
“Kenshi Candles are made with a great deal of care and to a very high standard. The company also provides vital employment to people from culturally diverse backgrounds,” he said.
Fraser MP Dr Daniel Mulino said locally made products help provide jobs and in turn, strengthens communities.
“… with Christmas coming up, people can buy items such as Kenshi Candles secure in the knowledge that not only are they great presents but that the purchase can be life-changing because the profits are reinvested in the community,” he said.
