Ford Malaysia - Ford In The Community

Global Walk to Cure Diabetes

Ford Malaysia has drawn the battle lines in the fight against diabetes. In 2004, staff joined hands to organize the first Ford Motor Company Global Walk to Cure Diabetes in Malaysia, the aim of this charity walk was to create awareness as well as raise funds for diabetes.

The result was a resounding success, raising a total of RM42,586.30 from Ford Malaysia staff, business partners, suppliers and corporate sponsors. The first event saw over 200 Ford Malaysia employees and their families take part in a symbolic 2.7km walk in Taman Pertanian Bukit Cahaya Seri Alam on December 19, 2004.

The following year the team raised RM69,743.46 and grew this event to reach out to its dealerships and business partners.

All funds raised are divided accordingly and channeled to the following organisations to help them in the fight against diabetes:

25% to Persatuan Diabetes Malaysia - is the first national diabetes non-governmental organisation be established and has multiple branches throughout the country. It organises counseling sessions, public forums, talks and diabetes education conferences for health care professionals and the general public.
25% to Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Universiti Malaya Medical Centre - cares for children with diabetes and is also involved in diabetes and obesity research.
50% to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International (JDRF) - the leading charitable funder and advocate of Type 1 (juvenile) diabetes research worldwide. The mission of JDRF is to find a cure for diabetes and its complications through the support of research. For more information visit www.jdrf.org

Type 1 Diabetes is a disease which strikes children suddenly and requires multiple injections of insulin daily or a continuous infusion of insulin through a pump. Insulin, however, is not a cure for diabetes, nor does it prevent its eventual and devastating complications which may include kidney failure, blindness, heart disease, stroke, and amputation.

The Global Walk to Cure Diabetes organised in Malaysia is part of a global effort at Ford facilities around the world with the aim of raising awareness and funds for diabetes research.

Ford Malaysia was the first Ford facility in Asia to participate in the world-wide initiative and has made it a yearly event. Its next Global Walk is scheduled in November 2006.

Diabetes is a major health concern worldwide. According to the World Health Organisation, at least 171 million people worldwide have diabetes. This figure is likely to more than double by 2030 to reach 366 million.

In Malaysia, it is estimated that 8% of the population has diabetes. As such efforts to create awareness of diabetes is critical and especially to reach out to risk groups and equip them with the knowledge and support to fight back.

Donations for the local event were generated through a number of ways including donations in cash and kind from Ford suppliers, business partners and corporate sponsors as well as various fund raising activities at the Ford plant in Shah Alam such as the sale of cakes and cookies, tyres and rims, and toys.

Some of the key sponsors include Taman Pertanian Malaysia Bukit Cahaya Seri Alam, Deromp Marketing, Nestle MILO, Sime Oleander, Gardenia, Persatuan Diabetes Malaysia, Abbott as well as Ford Malaysia's business partners and suppliers.

How you can support this initiative:

There are a number of ways that you can do this:

Cash Donation - Cheques should be made out to, "Ford Malaysia Sdn. Bhd." and marked at the back, "Global Walk to Cure Diabetes".
Donations of items in kind - that will be sold to staff and the money raised channeled to this fund
*Collect donations from family and friends and join us for the Global Walk to Cure Diabetes event in November 2006
Tell us how you think you can support us to raise funds for this cause. We're open to your ideas...

All contributions should be sent to Ford Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., 1, Jalan Sesiku 15/2, 40000 Shah Alam, Selangor. Those interested to participate this year can get in touch with Mark Devan, Public Affairs Manager, Ford Malaysia, at mdevan@ford.com or call 603 5101 5008.