Subang, 3 May 2013: Malaysia Airlines is organising a walkathon and carnival at the Malaysia Airlines Academy in collaboration with MERCY Malaysia on the 12th of May 2013. Aptly named the MH Walk-A-Fund, this initiative is an extension to the on-going fund raising campaign called "Change For Charity" where contributions are sought from Malaysia Airlines' guests both on-board and at the national carrier's ticketing counters.
The MH Walk-A-Fund will be graced by the Group Chief Executive Officer, Ahmad Jauhari Yahya who will deliver his welcome speech and greet the guests. The flag off for the MH Walk-A-Fund will be as early as 8am and is expected to end an hour later. The 6km walk will be around the Kelana Jaya area.
The campaign highlights the plight of vulnerable communities and gives Malaysia Airlines' guests an opportunity to do good for a very worthy and needy cause. Funds collected are then channelled directly and wholly to MERCY Malaysia's Humanitarian Fund which is used for various MERCY Malaysia projects around the world.
Dato’ Najmuddin Abdullah, Malaysia Airlines, Head of Strategic Communications said, "We are expecting a large turnout of at least 2000 participants and visitors to the Walk-A-Fund and carnival. Apart from the walkathon, the car park area of the Malaysia Airlines Academy will be transformed into a carnival ground. Many exciting booths will be opened to entertain the guests that come. Amongst others, we have a booth for celebrity items auction, lucky draws, dance performances and lots of food and drinks. We urge the public to come together to support this charity event and have a fun-filled weekend with their families at the same time. All divisions in Malaysia Airlines are working together to make this event a success. The team is very focused in raising funds for this noble cause and spirits are high,” he added.
Performers from MASenidaya will also be entertaining guests at the Malaysia Airlines Academy. MASenidaya consists of full-time Malaysia Airlines employees who are talented in performing arts. The MASenidaya group is renowned for the many performances they have done locally and internationally by the invitation of Tourism Malaysia. Apart from MASenidaya, Malaysia Airlines Cabin Crew will also be performing. The organisers have also prepared a flash mob that will be staged towards the culmination of the event.
The national carrier will also open its Heritage Museum for the public on the 12th of May. This Heritage Museum displays various articles such as old cabin crew uniforms, old aircraft engines and many more historical items of Malaysia Airlines from yesteryears. Photos of the first cadet pilot group and the first set of Golden Girls (MAS Cabin Crew) are also on display.
Malaysia Airlines and MERCY Malaysia have been in partnership since 2004 to provide support and relief to victims of natural disasters. It was agreed that MERCY Malaysia implements volunteer opportunity programmes for Malaysia Airlines staff in order to train them for possible participation in relief missions within Malaysia and beyond.
The Change for Charity campaign is a part of Malaysia Airlines' Corporate Social Responsibility programmes and allows both Malaysia Airlines and MERCY Malaysia to establish a framework for strategic collaboration for humanitarian assistance.