To foster volunteerism among employees, MSD Malaysia recently introduced Lend-A-Hand, a community program that gives employees time off to focus on meeting society's needs.

Launched this year, the Lend-A-Hand program is an umbrella for MSD community and charitable activities, and is dedicated to establishing long-term commitments with organisations and causes that help make a difference in local communities.

"At MSD, we are committed to contributing to the health and well-being of the communities where we live and work. Lend-A-Hand reinforces that commitment," said Ewe Kheng Huat, Managing Director of MSD.

"Our employees have been actively participating in community services outside of normal working hours in the past," he added. "With Lend-A-Hand, we help make it easier and more rewarding by allocating two Fridays in a year for volunteer activities."                          

At the inaugural Lend-A-Hand event in June this year, MSD partnered with Rumah K.I.D.S., a home for orphaned, neglected and abandoned children, for a fun day out in the city.

Accompanied by MSD volunteers, the group of children had a memorable underwater adventure at Aquaria KLCC before viewing the city from the Petronas Skybridge that is perched in between the country's tallest buildings, the Petronas Twin Towers.

Adding to the volunteer efforts, MSD employees also contributed generously various household items and food stuffs the home needed.

"The children truly enjoyed themselves with the volunteers. It was a perfect way to end to their school holidays. We look forward to the next visit," said Mr Roy Tan, Vice Chairman of Rumah K.I.D.S. as he expressed his gratitude to MSD.

Rumah K.I.D.S. is one of the non-profit organisations under the Lend-A-Hand program that MSD aims to be acquainted with and returning to in the long term to effectively make a difference.