Tara Murray
Liam Foldi’s aim to change the world has been recognised by the Deer Park Circle Alliance Bank.
Mr Foldi, now 18, started social enterprise Kenshi Candles when he was just 14, with the aim of helping people from the Chin-Myanmar community.
He was recently recognised at the bank’s Do Good Awards, winning the Outstanding Achievement Award.
The Do Good Awards aim to acknowledge community members and Alliance Bank members and staff who have made an outstanding contribution to the community and have positively impacted the lives of others.
Mr Foldi said winning the award would enable his business to provide more candles and raise more funds to support the Chin community.
Over 50 per cent of the profits from candle sales goes directly to charities helping those less fortunate.
Mr Foldi collaborates with the Chin refugee community in Melbourne, who now help produce the candles in St Albans.
“So many of them didn’t speak English when they came to Australia,” he said.
“They were struggling to get jobs and earn some money. Most people in the community are sending money back home.
“It’s great to be able to help them.”
The sale of one candle can provide five kilograms of rice for a family and the sale of two candles can provide suitable medical treatment. The sale of the candles also helps funds maternal health care and education.
Last year alone, the sale of candles raised $22,000.
Kenshi Candles was awarded $1000 as part of the Do Good Awards.
“The $1000 can actually purchase 500kg of rice in Myanmar. That’s enough to supply a small village of 40 people for six months,” Mr Foldi said
Details: kenshicandles.com.au/
Tara Murray
