A BATTLE WITH HAZE, FOR A GOOD CAUSE
Employees learned about volunteering as they raised RM15k
Kuala Lumpur, 2 July 2013: IREKA CARES volunteers cheered proudly as they raised RM15,000 in total – from both pre-event coupon sales and at the fund raising bazaar. These volunteers, who braved the heat and recent haze, took part in a charity fund raising bazaar and food fair, organised in aid of Angels Children’s Home, Kuala Lumpur.
Volunteers enthusiastically kick started their planning 2 months before the actual fund raising event. The team brainstormed and pulled their resources together. Many hidden talents were unearthed as some volunteers cooked and baked for the bazaar; while some proved to be great salespersons as they sold coupons to their colleagues, family and friends – worth more than RM3,000, just within a few days.
The eye-catching branding at IREKA CARES booth played a part in enticing sales. On offer were Nasi Lemak Meletup (local delicacy with fiery, spicy chilli sambal!), Power Puff Girls Cream Puffs, Fruit Ninja Mixed Fruit, Candy Crush assorted candies, Mont’ Kiara’s Best Muffins…to name a few of the delicacies.
An exclusive ‘Kindness is Fashionable’ charity shirt was specially designed to raise fund – and they were all sold out before the event! Limited final re-prints were also a hit as bazaar visitors got attracted by ‘fashionable’ Ireka volunteers wearing the shirts. Other items sold at Ireka booth included cakes, pastries, desserts, chocolate fondue, pre-loved books and fresh flowers.
Chairman of IREKA CARES, who is also the Group’s Deputy Managing Director, Datuk Lai Foot Kong said: “I wish to thank all volunteers for a job well done – especially so when it was under such unhealthy haze conditions.” He added: “Their selfless dedication and contributions fully demonstrated the kindest side of them. I’m glad to see unity and cohesiveness of the ‘Ireka Spirit’ during this charity mission.”
“It was wonderful to see all our committed volunteers spending time together on a Sunday to raise fund for Rumah Kanak-Kanak Angels. The sense of camaraderie was lovely to see and feel,” shared Nor Fathiyyah, outgoing Action Committee Head.
Aside from Ireka, there were many other organisations and individuals who contributed at the Home’s fund raising bazaar. The Home’s children put on some upbeat dance performances, much to the delight of the visitors. Other performances included dance and singing performances by some young children and yoga enthusiasts, a lion dance performance as well as belly dancers.
IREKA CARES is the flagship corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative of Ireka. The programme employs yearly themes of Community, Arts, Recreation, Environment and Sports, which make up the ‘CARES’ acronym. Moving into its fourth year, IREKA CARES will continue to adopt Angels Children’s Home working under the ‘Environment’ theme.
A series of educational and sustainable environment-related activities will be rolled out every month. To quote one volunteer, Vione Ha, “It just feels great becoming part of the children’s lives, just like our own family! When is the next event?!”
Not deterred by the haze: Volunteers Tin Sook Fun (front) and Grace Ng wearing masks to protect themselves from the haze.
Camaraderie: Nor (in the red head scarf) and Shashill selling pre-loved books donated by Directors and employees of Ireka.
‘Fruit Ninjas’ in Action: Passionate volunteers (from left) Irene Sim, Nadhirah Nur Azame, Azmiah Abd Hamid and Khairul Zaman.
Love outshines the beauty of flowers: Yvette Erin Rajah (right) and her bubbly customer.
Pro-active: Volunteers Low Lai Chee (in the red collared shirt) and Wong Yuan Shyan (in white) making the rounds to sell their merchandise.
Indulge while doing good: (from left) Airin Yusmira, Ashley Ong and Maggie Lim bring smiles to their customers with delicious chocolate fondue.
Compassion without boundaries: Volunteers from all races working together (from left) See Kim Wah, Wai Sue Yin, Sumithira Saninatham and Nurul Nazia.
For a good cause: Leonard Yee (2nd from right), CEO of Ireka Technologies arm, sharing some light moments with ex-employee who came to support the fund raising.
Lively and upbeat: The children from Rumah Kanak-Kanak Angels put on an energetic dance performance
Flowers for bride-to-be: A bride-to-be buying her hand bouquet while supporting a noble cause
Passion despite the haze: Stanley Loo (middle) actively promoting and selling his fares
Kindness is always fashionable: Lee Eai Luan (left) selling the limited edition shirts to a generous, supportive customer.