KUALA LUMPUR: MAKE-A-Wish Malaysia recently collaborated with Tokio Marine Life Insurance Malaysia Bhd to host a Family Day for children with life-threatening illness at Tropicana City Mall, here.
About 100 children and their families were treated to a private screening of Disney’s animated blockbuster, Planes: Fire and Rescue.
After the movie, they were treated to a sumptuous meal, entertained by clowns who made balloon sculptures for them, and received a goodie bag each.
The children were those who have had their wishes granted by Make-A-Wish organisation.
Make-A-Wish Malaysia chief executive officer Irene Tan said it was the first time the organisation had collaborated with Tokio Marine Life.
“We are committed to granting the wishes of children with life-threatening illnesses to enrich their lives with hope, strength and joy.
“So far, we have granted about 200 wishes which are divided into four categories — to have, to be, to go, and to meet.
“We have taken a boy with Wilms’ tumour to Disneyland in Hong Kong; made a leukaemia patient feel like a princess; and presented an iPad to a girl who suffered from a blood disorder.
“We are thankful to the corporate companies for supporting our cause.
“We thank Tokio Marine Life for their generosity and support.
“The Family Day allowed the children to spend quality time with their families and friends.”
Tokio Marine Life deputy chief executive officer Akira Yoshikawa said the collaboration was part of a long-term partnership, which is in line with the company’s vision of giving benefit to customers, business partners and society.
“We are committed to giving back to the community as part of our corporate social responsibility.
“We hope to inspire our employees to participate in a multitude of CSR programmes through our Empower Our People programme and plan to work with Make-A-Wish again in the future.”
Taxi driver Lee Kim Peng, 51, whose son and daughter are suffering from Duchenne muscular dystrophy and heart illness, respectively, thanked both organisations for giving them the VIP treatment.
“My 18-year-old son Kenny Lee Man Jun had wanted an iPad because he loves surfing the Internet and designing.
“Make-A-Wish fulfilled his wish by giving him an iPad in 2011.
“My daughter, Peggi Lee Man Jun, who is 9, wanted to be a ‘princess’ and the organisation surprised her with its gift of beautiful dresses fit for a princess.
“No words can describe my joy when I see the smiles on their faces. Make-A-Wish is the best because it made my children’s dream come true,” he said.