Spread the Smiles: Alex Wong, General Manager, Sony Ericsson Malaysia (middle, back row) and Katy Lee, Assistant Program Director, HOPE Worldwide (second-left, back row) along with the children from HOPE Worldwide at the Spread The Smile Charity Campaign finale held at 1 Utama. Also present were partners of the charity campaign, Mr Ral Teotico Bruma, Marketing and Retail Communications Manager, Sony Malaysia (far right, back row) and Mrs Liew Aing Suan, Senior Manager – Exhibition, Golden Screen Cinemas (second-right, back row)
KUALA LUMPUR, 18 JUNE 2009 – By collecting 20,000 Malaysian smiles, mobile phone manufacturer Sony Ericsson has raised US$8,494 (RM30,000) for children’s charitable organisation HOPE Worldwide.
“We hope that through the Sony Ericsson Spread the Smile Charity Campaign, we have helped Malaysians realise how the simple act of smiling can contribute to a greater humanitarian cause. Our Smile Wall is an innovative and heart-warming way to spread smiles across the country, while at the same time contributing to a good cause,” said Sony Ericsson Malaysia general manager Alex Wong.
HOPE Worldwide is a non-government organisation with representation in more than 100 countries around the globe. It has been in operation in Kuala Lumpur since 1996 and helps needy families and their children by empowering them with quality healthcare and education aid through support from a network of volunteers.
Captured smiles
Wong said for every smile captured, Sony Ericsson donated 29 US cents (RM1) to HOPE Worldwide. In addition, Sony Ericsson also sold ‘Smiles’ balloons for 57 US cents (RM2) and proceeds from the sales were forwarded to HOPE Worldwide.
The company, Wong said, affirmed its commitment to Malaysian society. “We are glad to make this contribution to HOPE Worldwide in support of its efforts to bring hope and change to the lives of needy children and their families.”
“Through this initiative, we laud Sony Ericsson's creativity in coming out with this unique fundraising campaign that involved not only its staff but also members of the public to support this charity programme,” said HOPE Worldwide program director, Darick Wong. “We are grateful to be the recipient of this fund which will eventually be used to support our health and education programmes.”
