UOB HEARTBEAT RUN 2024 RAISES RM2.185 MLN FOR CHARITY

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 24 (Bernama) – The UOB Heartbeat Run 2024, UOB Malaysia’s annual flagship volunteering and fundraising programme has successfully raised RM2.185 million for charities, to improve the lives of underprivileged children and bridge the gap in education opportunities.

The funds collected this year exceed last year's total of RM2 million and will be donated to the Food Aid Foundation, Generasi Gemilang, HOPE Worldwide Malaysia, and the SOLS Foundation.

UOB Malaysia chief executive officer Ng Wei Wei said the bank believes that financial institutions can serve a broader purpose beyond just banking.

“The passion demonstrated by the UOB Malaysia’s staff in fundraising during the UOB Heartbeat Run 2024 campaign, reflects our commitment to improving lives and helping the less fortunate.

“I’m grateful to all my colleagues, customers, and business partners who contributed and joined us on this journey in building stronger and inclusive communities,” she said in a statement today.

She said as part of the bank’s ongoing UOB Heartbeat Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, the annual event aims to create sustainable good for more caring and inclusive societies through corporate philanthropy, stakeholder partnerships, and employee participation.

“Guided by the bank’s values of being Honourable, Enterprising, United, and Committed, UOB brings together colleagues, customers, and business partners to make a positive difference in our communities. To raise funds, UOB Malaysia colleagues organised various activities which included food bazaars, charity sales, treasure hunts, and charity pledges from several members of the bank’s senior management,” she said.

In the same statement, UOB said, the UOB Heartbeat Run is held globally across 18 markets where the bank has a presence.

The fundraising culminated with UOB Malaysia’s 16th edition of the run which took place at The Arc @ Rimbayu on Sept 29 where more than 5,500 participants, comprising bank staff, their families, friends, customers, and business partners gathered.

Earlier this year, UOB Malaysia launched a new CSR programme with SOLS Foundation, one of the UOB Heartbeat Run beneficiaries.

“Through this programme, UOB Malaysia aims to improve the lives of marginalised communities through several initiatives such as the financial sponsorship and mentorship of underprivileged students at SOLS Solar Academy.

“Other initiatives include the installation of PICO solar panels in the homes of marginalised communities at off-grid locations and the sponsorship of solar photovoltaic systems in local non-government organisation charity centres,” the statement read. 

Meanwhile, SOLS Foundation Executive Director Daniela Strimbei stated that, with the support of UOB Malaysia and their ongoing CSR programmes, the foundation will continue delivering transformative initiatives for B40 youth and communities.

These include education and training, employment support, and rural electrification for Orang Asli households.

“This contribution goes beyond providing education and access to energy. It will also drive meaningful improvements in quality of life and community development. Such impact can only be achieved through powerful collaborations such as this one and we are extremely grateful for the opportunity,” she said.

-- BERNAMA