Cycling for charity

Hahaha.. aku nak gelak buleh tak??? Cycling for charity By NG WEI LOON, The Star, Friday 5th May 2008 THE Malakoff Corporation Berhad is embarking on a three-day cycling journey from Gombak to Kuala Terengganu covering 480km on May 17. This season, the nation’s independent power producer will be stepping up the tempo in its fourth attempt to crank up the pedal power for the annual charity ride. Riding for a good cause: (From left) Malakoff employees Shahrom Abdullah, Endie, Nor Shakiman, Noor Azli Sawari and Aini Zahariah Zakaria all geared for the event. The company’s senior vice-president, Nor Shakiman Muhammad, said they would also include their business partners and associates to be part of their corporate social responsibility effort to help the poor. “We want to share the experience in reaching out to the needy with them,” he added. The company is also extending its invitation to other corporations and individuals to take part in the initiative. In addition, they are aiming to collect more than RM60,000 for charity organisations situated along the route. Last year, they travelled from Putrajaya to Kuantan with a stopover in Kuala Pilah in between their three-day 404km trip and collected RM48,000 for six organisations. From the previous three editions, they had netted a total RM131,000 for 14 charity organisations. “Over the past three years, it has been a rewarding experience to help the less fortunate. “In 2005, our debut from Malacca to Johor Baru generated a lot of interest. “The following year, we endured the uphill course from Grik to Kota Baru and I could recall that I retired with four more kilometres to go on the climb. “Although it was a flat course last year, it was a very long ride,” said Nor Shakiman, adding they were planning to organise an introductory clinic on cycling safety to guide beginners to take up the challenge. Corporations and well-wishers are invited to join the upcoming adventure with a minimum pledge of RM2,000 each. All proceeds from donations will be channelled towards three organisations. The company’s corporate affairs executive, Endie Tofil Md Tuffile, said the three beneficiaries were Rumah Darul Izzah (Temerloh), Pusat Pemulihan Dalam Komuniti (Temerloh) and Pusat Pemulihan Dalam Komuniti (Kemamam). The organisers will sponsor the accommodation and food for three days and two nights outing. About 105 people, including 70 cyclists had already signed up for the event that could accommodate up to 120 participants. Endie said his colleagues had keen interest in cycling. “About 60 of our employees will be part of the charity ride. Our employees have taken up cycling as part of their healthy lifestyle regime,” added Endie. Among the cyclists riding under the company’s banner are national duathlete Shahrom Abdullah, recreational cyclist Noor Azli Sawari and female participant Aini Zahariah Zakaria. For details, call 012-399 8884 (Endie) or e-mail endie.tuffile@malakoff.com.my **taken from The Star Online