Budiey
Harith Iskander Raises up for HIV
[dropcap]I[/dropcap]n conjunction with World AIDS Day on December 1st, Harith Iskander is joining the Malaysian AIDS Council, PT Foundation and Durex Malaysia to raise funds for HIV intervention programmes. Themed “Raise Up 4 AIDS”, the socialised fundraising campaign is also aimed at mobilising Malaysians to be aware and play a role in reversing the HIV epidemic, which has plagued the nation for almost 26 years.
“More than 79,000 Malaysians are currently living with HIV, and every day, there are nine people getting infected. After years of effort put into ending the epidemic, HIV still remains a threat to Malaysians as it continues to affect the lives of people living with HIV and their family and friends. I am extremely glad to see Durex stepping up, investing its expertise, time and energy in the issue,” said Raymond Tai, Executive Director of PT Foundation.
“Raise Up 4 AIDS” fundraising drive, a part of Durex’s“1Share1Condom” Global Campaign for World AIDS Day 2012, is conducted through a Facebook application that is hosted in the Durex Malaysia Facebook page. Malaysians are urged to show their support by tagging their names on a picture provided in the application.
Targeting 10,000 tags, Durex Malaysia will donate one ringgit and one condom to PT Foundation for every single tag. To add weight to the campaign, for every tag, Durex Malaysia will fill helium to balloons and lift Harith with the World’s First Social-Powered Balloon Ride on 1st December 2012- World AIDS Day at Berjaya Times Square, main entrance.
As an extension of “Raise Up 4 AIDS “ socialised fundraising drive, the World’s First Social-Powered Balloon will also be open to public with a minimum donation of RM 50.00. This is not an ordinary ride but a meaningful one.
“HIV is an important global issue that is afflicting not only people living with HIV, but their caregivers, family and friends. I am pleased to be part of a campaign that draws attention and drives action to support HIV intervention programmes in Malaysia,” expressed Harith.
Nikhilesh Kalra, Strategic Commercial Director, Reckitt Benckiser for Malaysia and Singapore, said,
“It is evident that HIV is a topic we cannot afford to neglect. Through the campaign, we call upon all Malaysians to share responsibility, take action and join our journey to achieve 10,000 tags. Every single move is a tiny revolution.
“Only with collaborative effort, we are able to ensure that the response to HIV does not lose momentum. I call upon all Malaysians to rise to the occasion. It is decision time,” added Nikhilesh.
For more information, please log to http://www.facebook.com/DurexMalaysia
About Malaysian AIDS Council
The Malaysian AIDS Council (MAC) was established in 1992 to serve as an umbrella organisation to support and coordinate the efforts of non-governmental and other organisations working on HIV/AIDS issues in Malaysia. MAC works in partnership with government agencies, the private sector and international organisations to ensure a committed and effective response to HIV/AIDS issues in Malaysia.
About PT Foundation
PT Foundation is a partner organisation of Malaysian AIDS Council. Previously known as the Pink Triangle SdnBhd, it is a community-based, voluntary non-profit making organisation providing HIV and AIDS education, prevention, care and support programmes, sexuality awareness and empowerment programmes for vulnerable communities in Malaysia. PT Foundation works with five vulnerable communities mainly drug users, sex workers, transsexuals, men who have sex with men (MSM), and people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV).
About World AIDS Day
World AIDS Day is held on the 1st of December each year and is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite in the fight against HIV, show their support for people living with HIV and to commemorate people who have died. World AIDS Day was the first ever global health day and the first one was held in 1988.
