THE grounds of Wesley Methodist School Penang (International) or WMSPI will come alive on Oct 18 (Saturday) with the warmth of fellowship, faith and food as the Methodist Women of Wesley Methodist Church, Penang, host the inaugural Carnival of Hope, a food fair where every meal shared becomes an act of grace.
From 8am to 1pm, visitors can savour a delightful spread featuring Michelin-star sambal har bee, authentic Nyonya favourites, aromatic coffee, tender satay, roti jala and much more. There will also be legacy preloved items such as handbags, trinkets and collectibles that carry stories of their own. Every offering, whether cooked or cherished, speaks of love and purpose. Every ringgit raised will go directly to House of Hope and Charis Hospice, channelled through the Harmony of Hope Christmas Concert 2025, organised by Wesley Methodist School Penang (International) this December.
This first-ever Carnival of Hope marks a new chapter in how the Methodist Women live out their faith through service, generosity and the simple joy of giving. Under the guidance of Joan Lim, counsellor for the Methodist Women, Penang, the group hopes to remind the community that compassion often begins with something as small as sharing a meal.
“We believe God multiplies even the smallest act done in love. A simple meal shared can become someone’s answered prayer. Through this carnival, we are turning joy into hope and faith into action,” Lim said in a press release.
Beyond the laughter and aroma of good food, the heart of the Carnival of Hope beats for something deeper. The funds raised will go towards two Penang-based organisations that turn compassion into daily action, restoring dignity where it is lost and comfort where it is most needed.
House of Hope, located in Air Itam, journeys with families living in poverty by providing food aid, financial assistance and educational support. It creates safe spaces of stability and dignity for those struggling to rebuild their lives.
Charis Hospice, founded in 2004, offers free home-based palliative care to patients with advanced, life-threatening illnesses. Its volunteer doctors, nurses and counsellors bring comfort and peace to patients and their families, providing medical, emotional and spiritual care regardless of race or faith.
These organisations have been the beneficiaries of the Harmony of Hope Christmas Concert, now in its third year, organised by WMSPI. Together, the concert and the carnival form a shared movement of compassion, one serving through food and the other through music, both united by the theme “Blessed to be a Blessing.”
Supporting the event on a pro bono basis is SOZO Communications, represented by Theresa Suthen, Creative Director, and Ramesh, Director of Strategy, who are serving alongside the organisers to support both the Carnival of Hope and the Harmony of Hope Christmas Concert 2025.
“When communities come together with purpose, something powerful happens. The Methodist Women are leading with quiet strength, showing that generosity does not need to be grand. It only needs to begin,” Theresa said.
“Let this Saturday morning be your giving moment. Every plate you enjoy and every ringgit you spend becomes a seed of dignity planted in someone else’s life.”
For more information, please get in touch with Theresa Suthen, Creative Director, SOZO Communications, at 016-419 8535 or via email at [email protected].
Pix courtesy of SOZO Communications