Mah Sing charity fun run raises RM1.28 mil for autistic children

KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 11): Mah Sing Group Bhd’s corporate social responsibility division Mah Sing Foundation raised RM1.28 million to boost awareness on autistic children and children in need via a 4.7km fun run. About 1,380 participants took part in the event held at the Lake Gardens (Perdana Botanical Gardens) on Nov 7.

“I am very proud and delighted to say that through the support of our sponsors and contributors, the response to this event is tremendous,” said Mah Sing Foundation chairman Datuk Syed Norulzaman B Syed Kamarulzaman in a recently-issued press release.

Contributions were channelled to non-profit organisations such as Inisiatif Sokongan Autisme Nouri, CADS Enhancement Centre – both non-profit centres committed to helping underprivileged autistic children – as well as Yellow Flower Education Foundation, Johor’s Berkat Children’s Home, Sabah’s Montfort Youth Training Centre and Penang’s Handicapped Children’s Centre.

The run’s sponsors also included Mighty White, Frost, Lumin Spring, Madam Waffle, Johnson Suisse, SAMSON, Gen Y Airboard, K-Fit, NuNature, GHHS Healthcare, Fitness First, Optimax, Silver Spoon, Watsons, iHeal, Nippon Paint, Reverse, Brand Me and Vermillion.

“This event, which aims to raise funds and create awareness is in line with our company’s commitment to being a responsible and active participant in building community partnership,” said Mah Sing Group managing director Tan Sri Leong Hoy Kum during the event.

Alongside activities throughout the route to educate runners on techniques to support autistic children, a lucky draw was also held which saw participants winning prizes worth up to RM40,000, including an iPad mini, a leather armchair, an air board and cash vouchers.

"I never expected to win anything today," remarked grand prize winner Su Rei, who won a leather armchair worth RM4,888 sponsored by SAMSON. "I joined the run because it sounded like an exciting event where I can also contribute to charity. Thank you to Mah Sing Foundation, keep up the good work."

There were also different zones through the route taken by the participants.

For instance, the Bubble zone encouraged autistic children to play with bubbles, while the colour palm arena had runners painting their palms to signify the “high-five” actions to help such children abate anxiety by signalling the completion of a task.

The last activity was the completion of a giant jigsaw puzzle board -- the most recognisable symbol for autism -- featuring red, blue and yellow pieces.

The Mah Sing Foundation raises money through various activities to champion causes such as medical assistance, financial assistance and relief schemes, education assistance comprising subsidies and donations and the encouragement of social and sporting activities among Malaysians.

Mah Sing is appealing to those who missed out on the charity fun run to utilise a specially-designated hashtag initiative, #mscharityrun, for the public to share their photos of any jigsaw element. Each hashtag will see a RM1 donation from Mah Sing.

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