On December 14, 2007, more than 60 MSD staff took part in the nationwide roll-out of Lend-A-Hand, a community outreach programme aiming to make a difference in local communities. Employees from the PJ Head Office, Sarawak, Sabah, Perak, Pulau Pinang and Malacca took the day off to spread goodwill and cheer to identified homes from each of the respected states.

With the simple objective of providing support for the homes, MSD allocated funds for the homes as well as conducted a donation drive amongst the employees to collect needed essential items that the homes had requested for. Since it was Christmas, MSD employees had purchased and given away presents to the homes as well as participated in fun, interactive games with the residents.

Mr. Ewe Kheng Huat, the Managing Director of MSD Malaysia said, "Today’s initiative is part of our Lend-A-Hand programme – an initiative we started in 2006, with not just contributing funds, but also involving our employees in our programmes."  Mr. Ewe further reiterated that MSD encouraged its employees to participate in its community projects, believing that it not just builds interaction between them, but also helps instill a strong sense of responsibility for the communities in which they operate.

Mr. Anbu, the caretaker of Persatuan Rumah KIDs welcomed the MSD initiative, saying that programmes like Lend-A-Hand were enlightening experiences for the children as it involves literal and fun interaction with the employees.

Following are the homes and organizations which MSD staff had worked with:

• Selangor                      Persatuan Rumah KIDs (Subang and Klang)           
• Sarawak                       The Salvation Army Boys Home & Hostel     
• Sabah                           Bukit Harapan
• Perak                            Hannah Home
• Pulau Pinang                Relau Rumah Charis
• Melaka                         Happiness Centre for Mentally Disabled Children

About MSD Lend-A-Hand

The Lend-A-Hand programme launched in June 2006 is an umbrella for MSD Malaysia, the community and charitable organizations, and is dedicated to establishing long-term commitments with organizations and causes that help make a difference in local communities.

This outreach programme allocates two Fridays in a year, giving employees time off to focus on meeting society's needs by fostering volunteerism amongst employees.

Created: March 1, 2008

Local code: 04-09-GEN-08-MY-0001-IM