McDonald's allocates over RM1.66 mln for Back To School programme

TAMPIN, Dec 2 -- McDonald's Malaysia, through Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) has allocated over RM1.66 million to assist more than 21,000 students from lower-income families nationwide under its Back to School programme this year.

Its managing director and local operating partner Azmir Jaafar said the programme, organised for the fifth consecutive year, was the company's corporate social responsibility initiative aimed at motivating students to be successful in their studies.

He added that each student will receive a school bag, water bottle, stationaries and a pair of school shoes to reduce the financial burden of parents affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The distribution of the school pack has started in October before the opening of a new school session. 

"The programme would be continued in line with McDonald's vision to not only provide quality services and food but also help the community," he told reporters after launching the RMHC’s Back to School Pack Programme today.

Each year since 2017, about 20,000 to 25,000 aid packs would be distributed to selected schools in collaboration with the Education Ministry, Azmir said.

As of this year, he said almost RM9 million had been channelled and more than 95,000 school children have benefited from the programme.

 He added that McDonald's Malaysia is targeting to distribute 30,000 Back to School packs to students from low-income families next year.

Earlier, Azmir presented a Back to School 2021 mock cheque for RM25,000 to Sekolah Kebangsaan Felda Pasir Besar, Gemas here.

A recipient Muhammad Elman Mahdan said the contribution would ease his financial burden in making preparations for the new school session. 

"This is the first time I am receiving aid from McDonald's and I am very grateful for this assistance,” said the father of three who works as a driver.

-- BERNAMA