To fight child violence globally, OCBC Malaysia staff and their family members raised RM100,000 during a run in Kuala Lumpur.
The 1,025 participants included staff from OCBC Bank (Malaysia) Bhd and OCBC Al-Amin Bank Bhd, who each contributed at least RM70 to take part in the OCBC-World Vision Run For Children held during the city’s car-free morning event.
The funds are channelled to World Vision Malaysia’s efforts to end violence against children.
The global advocacy group operates on the basis that every child has a right to grow and thrive in a safe environment, free from violence and harm.
The partnership is now in its sixth year, with OCBC Malaysia being the main sponsor for both KL Car-Free Morning and World Vision Run For Children.
World Vision Malaysia chief executive officer Terry Leong (pic) said the meaningful tie-up with OCBC Malaysia began six years ago.
She praised its resulting awareness campaign on ending violence against children.
“Today, danger comes in many forms – conflict, climate change and natural disasters.
“Children are traumatised by these events and often have no safe homes to return to.
“But even in safe places like homes and schools, dangers like violence and abuse are present, often from people who should be protecting children,” said Leong.
“That is why it is so important for us to protect children as well as empower them to protect themselves.
“We are grateful to OCBC Malaysia and their employees, who recognise the importance of this, and we look forward to many more years of partnership,” she added.
The event, led by OCBC Bank chief executive officer Tan Chor Sen, is part of World Vision 2024 Run For Children held nationwide.
Funds raised support vulnerable children from the communities World Vision serves in.
Another beneficiary is World Vision’s Advocacy Fund, which supports its global child protection efforts.
“I am pleased that, once again, we are able to come together to do our part to advocate for the rights of the children around us who often suffer unnoticed,” said Tan.
“We hope that through this effort, we will be able to collectively create a safer environment for those who are unable to protect themselves.
“It was great to see more than a thousand of my OCBC Malaysia colleagues and their family members coming together for Run For Children, holding the torch in the fight against child violence,” he said.
