Jackie, who has made a few of his action movies in Malaysia, has pledged that 2% of the cafe’s profit would be donated to local charitable organisations for disadvantaged children.
“Each year, I would look for ways to raise money for charity to help needy people,” Jackie said. “Why? Because when I was young, I was very poor and many people had helped me get to where I am today. I am doing my part to repay their kindness to me.”
Jackie said that he wanted to make his cafe an affordable lifestyle joint that would allow people enjoy coffee and snacks and, at the same time, contribute to charity.
According to YTL Corporation Bhd group managing director Tan Sri Francis Yeoh, who was present at the opening, the cafe’s concept means that its success was not about how much profit was made but the amount of contribution it generates for charitable causes.
“It is no wonder that Jackie is listed by the international magazine Forbes as one of the world’s 10 most generous celebrities,” Yeoh said.
To commemorate the opening of the cafe, Jackie sportingly put on an apron and made a cup of coffee for Yeoh.
Jackie also presented prizes to winners of the United Buddy Bears colouring contest held earlier that day and matched the donations collected on the day with a ringgit-for-ringgit contribution.
The Starhill Gallery management also pledged a similar ringgit-for-ringgit contribution to the total raised to triple the collection.
Star cafe: Yeoh posing with a cup of iced coffee made by Jackie. They are surrounded by staff members of Jackie Chan’s Cafe.