Putrajaya, 28 October 2017 -- Some 6,000 primary school children benefited from a “Back-to-School” programme spearheaded by McDonald’s Malaysia, Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) and Kerry Ingredients (M) Sdn Bhd, with a sponsorship value totalling RM1.2 million.

The “Back-to-School” programme is one of several corporate social responsibility activities under McDonald’s inaugural Community Month - Komuniti@McD & RMHC – which was launched in October and aimed at reaching out to 10,000 children nationwide. 

Throughout the month of October, McDonald's Malaysia has been empowering its restaurants nationwide to support and give back to their local communities through various programmes including collection of books and toys for needy children; organizing educational trips for children; celebrating Deepavali and Children's Day at orphanages and at McDonald's restaurants; hospital visits to bring cheer to patients in paediatric wards; as well as helping to paint and spruce up various children homes.

Through the “Back-to-School” programme, McDonald’s Malaysia, RMHC and Kerry Ingredients will provide 6,000 urban poor primary school children in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Melaka and Johor with new sets of school attire for the 2018 school year session worth RM200 each. Each child will receive 2 sets of school uniforms, 1 pair of school shoes, 2 pairs of socks and a school bag. 

McDonald’s and RMHC will sponsor 5,000 “Back-to-School” packs worth RM1 million, while Kerry Ingredients will sponsor the remaining 1,000 packs worth RM200,000 for urban poor children in Pelentong, Tampoi and Johor Bahru, in Johor.

McDonald’s Malaysia Managing Director and Operating Partner En Azmir Jaafar said the “Back-to-School” programme is to provide support to poor families and is one of McDonald’s Malaysia’s way of giving back to the community.

“We believe the “Back-to-School” programme can help ease the financial burden of the children’s families as they prepare for the upcoming 2018 school year session. Through this programme, we want to help keep up the children’s motivation as they enter their new schooling year,” said Azmir.

Kerry Ingredients – one of McDonald’s key suppliers – is also committed to contribute to charitable causes in communities where it operates.

“I would like to thank McDonald’s Malaysia for this opportunity to contribute to the “Back-to-School” programme and we look forward to being part of similar initiatives in the future,” said. William Kuek, Kerry Ingredients’ Director for Health, Safety and Environment, APMEA.  “Such initiatives underscore the company’s commitment to uphold the philosophy of positive engagement with local communities.”

Deputy Education Minister Dato’ P. Kamalanathan was the guest of honour at the ceremony to mark the official presentation of the “Back-to-School” packs held at McDonald’s Putrajaya Lakeside. The event was also held in celebration of the Malaysia Children Day today.

In his address, Dato’ P. Kamalanathan said the government and Education Ministry welcomes initiatives by the private sector such as that conducted by McDonald’s Malaysia, RMHC and Kerry Ingredients to support, motivate and boost the morale of school children -- especially those whose families are from the lower income group as well as those under the urban poor category.

“The private sector plays an important role to support the national education system. The Public Private Partnership (PPP) launched by the Education Ministry under the National Education Blueprint empowers communities across Malaysia to assist schools in raising their performance and subsequently motivate schools to dream big,” said Kamalanathan.

“Regardless of whether it is a one-off programme or a fully-managed programme by the private sector, the Education Ministry appreciates the support in any form that creates a positive impact for school children and the education system,” he added.

Azmir, who is also president of RMHC added that the “Back-to-School” pack programme is part of the company’s effort to reach out to the community.

“At McDonald’s Malaysia, we take seriously the responsibilities that come with being a leader. By supporting RMHC, we help build better communities and make the world a better place. We are committed to sustainable business practices and are determined to conduct our operations in a manner that does not compromise the ability of future generations to meet their potential,” said Azmir.

About McDonald’s

McDonald’s is the world’s leading global foodservice retailer with approximately 35,000 restaurants worldwide, serving more than 70 million customers daily in more than 100 countries. With 35 years of presence in Malaysia, McDonald’s serves over 13.5 million customers a month at more than 260 restaurants nationwide. McDonald’s employs more than 12,000 Malaysians in restaurants across the nation providing career, training and development opportunities. 

About Ronald McDonald House Charities

Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Malaysia was established in 1990 as a non-profit organisation and is one of more than 300 RMHC Chapters worldwide. It aims to positively impact young lives in the areas of health, education and welfare through its four core programs - Ronald McDonald House (RMH), Ronald McDonald Sensory Room (RMSR), Gift of Smile (GOS) and RMHC Scholarship. For more information, please visit www.rmhc-malaysia.my