Michelle Dee donates Miss Universe Voice for Change award to Autism Society of the Philippines

Michelle Dee was finally able to present and donate her Miss Universe Voice for Change award to the Autism Society of the Philippines (ASP).

After delays, Michelle gave the check for P684,000 to the organization. According to Michelle’s Instagram Reel, it was presented during their monthly Artismo event which features artists on the spectrum. Eech artist is paid and the pieces they make are up for sale.

“A Voice For Change for the voices that matter. #Filipinas! We did it,” Michelle said in her caption.

“It was my privilege to (finally) present the Voice For Change award to @autismphils after our nationwide upward battle to win this special award. Alam natin yan,” she added with the hashtag #wmmmo or “Walang mag-mo-move on.”

The actress and beauty queen said the award will be allotted for “ASP’s #AutismWorks program that aims to provide full-time employment or opportunities to earn for our brothers and sisters who have autism.”

Michelle added that the program adheres to the United Nations’ 17 Sustainability Development Goals for Economic Empowerment for individuals on the autism spectrum.

“At the time of my VFC presentation, we have employed and provided training to over 300+ individuals and we believe this number can grow exponentially,” Michelle said.

“With the #bayanihan spirit - anything is possible,” she added. “Maraming salamat!!! LABAN LANG #deepatapos.”

The Voice for Change award includes a $12,000 cash prize each for the three gold medal winners and their chosen charity. Michelle won along with Miss Angola and Miss Puerto Rico. In mid-September, Michelle said on her Instagram broadcast channel that she was still waiting for the award to be released.

Michelle competed in Miss Universe with an advocacy for autism awareness. Her winning national costume has a special detail that includes her two brothers on the autism spectrum.

 Aside from that, Michelle also took home the Spirit of Carnival Award given by pageant sponsor Carnival Cruises, the Miss Universe fan vote, and Best National Costume.

Last April, Michelle was awarded the Hans T. Sy Leadership Award at ASP's event, the Angels Walk for Autism.

 

 

 

 

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—Nika Roque/JCB, GMA Integrated News