Damansara, 15 September 2009 - Over 35 volunteers from UMW Toyota Motor played host to 35 children from Pertubuhan Kebajikan Ehsan Ash-Shakur (PEKEAS) during a special shopping cum breaking of fast treat at One Utama today. This programme was organised as part of the Staff Volunteer Programme to inculcate a spirit of volunteerism and community service among the UMW Toyota Motor personnel.

The Ramadhan ‘double joy’ began with a fully sponsored “Baju Raya” shopping spree and led up to a Buka Puasa session at the Sunflower Room, Concourse Level, One World Hotel. The children aged between 4 to 12 years were treated to a lavish spread of Buka Puasa delicacies. As an additional gift they were also given duit raya. This outreach programme was intended to assure these children that they have friends who care and are not alone in this world.
 
The 35 over volunteers from UMW Toyota Motor were each assigned a child from the Home. Their task for the day included taking the child shopping for their Hari Raya clothes and shoes as well as enjoying the attractions of the shopping mall since these children seldom get the opportunity to visit such places. This outing was an opportune time for the volunteers to build rapport with the children and foster the Hari Raya spirit of giving and sharing.

According to Haji Aminar Rashid Salleh, Executive Director Strategic Marketing Group, UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd, the underprivileged and orphans often feel their deprivation the most during the festive seasons when most people are privileged to enjoy their Hari Raya shopping with their families and loved ones. “This is why we make a special effort to spread a little cheer to charity homes by treating them on a shopping spree for this festive season. We hope to become a part of the ‘family’ that they never had,” he explained.

The Staff Volunteer Programme is part of the Philanthropic pillar of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). UMW Toyota Motor’s commitment to CSR has been an integral part of its corporate culture since it was established in 1982. Its CSR approach is consonant with its philosophy of ‘A history of service to society’, where UMW Toyota Motor continually seeks opportunities to contribute to the communities where they operate their business