On 5 August 2020, the president of Stella Maris International School (SMIS), Professor Dr. BC Tan presented the cheque amounting RM13,406 to Mr. Chua Hong Wee, Chief Executive Officer of The National Kidney Foundation of Malaysia (NKF).

 

Despite the recent Covid-19 pandemic, SMIS successfully raised this generous amount through its annual No Uniform Day event in conjunction with World Kidney Day 2020. The event saw all students, teachers and administrative staff came to school dressed in red.

 

Among the activities held were a quiz for the pupils on kidney health and selling of the NKF recipe book.

 

“It is Stella Maris’ way of saying we do care and we are here to help,” Professor Dr. BC Tan commented.

Amid the Covid-19 pandemic and recovery phase, Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) remains a serious national health problem – primarily caused by either diabetes or high blood pressure – affecting approximately 2.9 million Malaysians. Haemodialysis still needs to be carried out for the affected kidney patients, requiring trained staff to deliver the four-hour treatment to patients, three times a week. As life and treatment go on, Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) is necessary to ensure the health and safety of frontline healthcare personnel at dialysis centres as they continuously assist patients with their treatments.

In conjunction with the recent launch of the Hero Float Campaign – a frozen dessert, designed and produced by an innovator Carpe Ri Sdn Bhd; National Kidney Foundation of Malaysia (NKF) received monetary contribution totalling almost RM8,000, in a simple ceremony held recently. NKF is a leading non-profit organization that has been providing subsidised dialysis treatment in Malaysia for over 30 years.

This meaningful campaign, held at Sunway Pyramid from 6 to 12 July, saw Malaysians lending a hand to protect their fellow countrymen’s health – not only contributing via the donation box but also through digital platforms like Boost, Touch ‘n Go and Shopee which NKF collaborates with. Meanwhile, Social Grooves has spearheaded the CSR campaign’s social media thrust.

The COVID-19 pandemic has shown the critical role of insurers in protecting and supporting the societies. Recognising how the unprecedented outbreak has posed a crippling effect to the less privileged group within the community, AXA Affin General Insurance Berhad (AXA) is committed to uphold its role as a trusted partner that cares, acts and protects customers in difficult times.

Under the new norm, AXA has re-designed its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy by exploring new ways to strengthen social solidarity and contribute towards a sustainable society.

A notable highlight is the return of AXA Hearts in Action Run 2020 for the 6th consecutive year. To adapt to the new normal, the run has been launched in virtual format to encourage Malaysians to run for better health and advocate on key social causes close to their hearts. This year’s theme “Run to Protect What Matters” supports AXA’s commitment to foster progress in difficult times and act as a force for collective good.

With overwhelming support from runners this year, AXA has achieved a full participation of 1,200 runners. Participating runners have been empowered to choose their T-shirt colour based on their preferred cause and NGO. The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) of Malaysia, being one of its beneficiaries, received a generous contribution of RM10,000 from this virtual run.

This year, the National Kidney Foundation of Malaysia (NKF) joined forces with Oversea Group of Companies once again for our annual mooncake charity project to raise funds for NKF’s underprivileged kidney failure patients. We are delighted to announce that this project had successfully raised RM 26,911.

“As a non-profit organisation, NKF depends on public generosity and corporate funding to provide subsidised dialysis treatments for the 1,723 kidney failure patients, who are from the lower income group, at our 27 dialysis centres nationwide. However, it has been an economically challenging period for us – with difficulty in garnering the community’s support for our various fundraising campaigns – resulting in NKF’s available funds being stretched to the limit. The Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on Malaysians and it has not spared anyone, including NGOs like NKF. Amid such tough circumstances, we are doing our best to source funding for our constant efforts to provide the subsidised dialysis treatments,” said Mr. Chua Hong Wee, Chief Executive Officer of NKF Malaysia.

We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to all our donors over the years for their fervent support towards this annual mooncake charity project.