General Interest
Siemens' Annual Charity Run Raises RM120,000 for Charity
Siemens Malaysia raises funds for the underprivileged through its 5th annual charity run – the Siemens Run
Petaling Jaya, Sep 15, 2009
SIEMENS Malaysia Sdn Bhd brought cheer, and more importantly, hope for the disabled, autistic and visually impaired children by donating RM120,000 today.
The amount, which was collected during the German technology and innovation leader’s 5th Siemens Run on July 19th at Dataran Merdeka was, channeled to three charities as part of the firm’s pledge and dedication in corporate responsibility.
A total of RM80,000 was raised from the annual run, however, Siemens topped-up an additional RM40,000 from its own coffers to divide the aid amongst the three charities, namely the National Autism Society of Malaysia, SK Pendidikan Khas Cacat Penglihatan, Setapak and Taman Megah Handicapped and Disabled Childrens’ Home, where a simple cheque handover ceremony was held today. This year’s proceeds are RM30,000 higher than the total proceeds donated last year.
Siemens Malaysia CEO & President Tan Sri Rainer Althoff, gave away the cheques to representatives from the three charities, who were all present.
Each beneficiary received RM35,000 each, with the exception of Taman Megah Handicapped and Disabled Chidrens’ Home, receiving RM50,000. The home received the additional RM15,000 to fund Baby Sri's hydrocephalus, a condition whereby there is too much liquid in the brain.
Baby Sri is hardly a year old, and suffers from chronic cleft palate, and lip and nose dysmorphism. To make matters worse, she hardly has any vision, as she has no left eye and her right cornea is blocked. She can only hear with her right ear, as there is no ear drum existing on her left side.
Only a few days ago, Baby Sri had safely undergone a surgery conducted at Pantai Hospital, to first treat the hydrocephalus condition. The procedure was a success, and after her recovery, the next scheduled reconstructive procedure will be done on her cleft palate.
"With the condition being properly treated, it will transform Sri's entire life, as she can then eat and drink like a normal baby her age, her speech will improve, and most importantly, she has the chance to live and grow healthily. Her plight was highlighted in a local media during Siemens Run and a Hospital approached us to perform this surgery on Baby Sri. Healthcare institutions are welcome to pledge their expertise and services for this next procedure that she will need to undergo and any form of support is welcome to bless a child a normal life," said President & CEO of Siemens Malaysia, Tan Sri Rainer Althoff.
He added: "Instilling self empowerment in these children especially from the young age, will have a great impact on their self esteem, a very important essence which they will take with them throughout their adulthood,".
In line with the Dreams theme of Siemens Run, the proceeds will help the beneficiaries realize some of their most ambitious dreams for the intended children.
The race had received good support from co-sponsors Crocs, Mentholatum Deep Heating Rub, Hooha.Asia, Men's Health and Shape magazine, Milo, 100 Plus, Nature Valley, Nivea, Prince Court Medical Centre, and Reebok; who are the official sportswear. Corporate team buyers Digi, The Royal Bank of Scotland, Prince Court Medical Centre, Plaza Low Yat, Bumi Armada Sdn Bhd, Bayer (M) Sdn Bhd, Airfoil Services Sdn Bhd, Bauer (M) Sdn Bhd, Scomi Engineering, Maxis Broadband Sdn Bhd, Renaissance Hotel Kuala Lumpur and Fujifilm Sdn Bhd were also part of the race.
This year, Siemens Run attracted a total of 5005 runners in terms of participation – about 1,000 more than last year. Next year, Siemens Run 2010 will enter its 6th year and will be held on July 4th, at Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur.
This press release has been published by the Communications Department, Siemens Malaysia Sdn Bhd.
Your contact at Siemens Malaysia:-
Ms Vasanthe Narayanasamy
Head, Communications
DL: 03 -7952 4180
M: 012 – 315 0515
Email: vasanthe.narayanasamy@siemens.com
Ms Ranjini T
Project Manager
DL: 03-7952 5164
M: 017-294 5717
Email: ranjini.thangaraju@siemens.com
Ms Pearly Yeoh
Media Specialist
DL: 03 – 7952 5078
M: 012- 243 8028
Email: pearly.yeoh@siemens.com
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