PROCTER & Gamble (P&G) brought Raya cheer to the special needs children by donating RM65,671 to CADS Centre (CADS) in Persiaran Ledang here recently.
The centre is a non-profit organisation for slow learners and children suffering from cerebral palsy, ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), autism, dyslexia and Down Syndrome.
P&G communications leader for Malaysia & Singapore Zulhaimi Abdul Hamid presented the cheque to CADS president Mohammed Hanifah Mohd Salih.
P&G also donated hampers to the centre which was received by its principal Azura Abdul Aziz.
The ceremony marked the close of P&G’s recent corporate social responsibility (CSR) campaign, Hulurkan Harapan.
The project, a collaboration with Mydin Mohamed Holdings Bhd (Mydin) began in April and ended the following month.
Through Hulurkan Harapan, P&G called on the public to pitch in by simply purchasing its products from Mydin outlets.
For every purchase of RM10, five sen was donated to the cause.
The aim of Hulurkan Harapan was to raise awareness of CADS among the public and to reach out to parents of children with special needs. The campaign also aims to guide parents on the necessity of equipping their children with life skills
Hanifah extended his heartfelt gratitude to P&G and Mydin for choosing the centre as the beneficiary of the programme.
“The donation will support and strengthen our cause to provide a conducive and happy environment for our special children to grow and nurture them for a better tomorrow,” he said, adding that CADS was committed to enabling differently-abled children to acquire life skills in a loving environment and preparing them for the competitive world outside.
Zulhaimi affirmed that P&G believes that challenges should not be a hindrance for children to develop their talents and life skills.
“Hopefully, this donation will open opportunities for more special needs children to attend training at CADS centres,” he added.
Literally meaning “extending hope”, Hulurkan Harapan is the title of the latest P&G Open Minds campaign this year.
The umbrella CSR campaign which was initiated in 1999 has to-date touched the lives of more than 10,000 children with learning disabilities.
“Every special child has the right to an education so that he can have a better future.
“While donations in cash are important, we hope the Hulurkan Harapan campaign has raised public awareness of the importance of providing special children with living and vocational skills.
“We need to give them a chance to be the best they can be,” added Zulhaimi.