LOCAL NEWS

The first Ford Motor Company Walk to Cure Diabetes that was held at Taman Pertanian Bukit Cahaya Seri Alam in Shah Alam, Selangor, on December 19, 2004, was a resounding success. The event, which was held to create awareness on diabetes and raise funds for diabetes research, received overwhelming support from Ford Malaysia's staff, business partners, suppliers and corporate sponsors.

200 Ford Malaysia employees and their families were flagged off on the symbolic 2.7-km walk by Ahmad Zamri, Deputy Secretary & Planning Director for Majlis Perbandaran Shah Alam (MPSA) on behalf of the Datuk Bandar of Shah Alam. When the participants finished the walk, they were treated to a picnic and activities specially planned for the kids. The adults also had the opportunity to listen to a talk and Q&A session on diabetes by Dr. Shireene Ratna from University Hospital. There was also free diabetes screening by Abbott Diabetes Care and information brochures were also made available from Persatuan Diabetes Malaysia and Aventis.

Over the past few weeks, Ford Malaysia staff have also been busy holding different charity events to raise funds for this cause. This included the sale of cakes and cookies, tyres and rims, and toys.

This event is part of a larger initiative known as the Ford Motor Company Walk to Cure Diabetes and is organised at Ford facilities around the world. The aim of the walk is to raise awareness and funds for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International (JDRF), the largest charitable funder of diabetes research in the world (www.jdrf.org). Ford Malaysia is the first Ford facility in Asia to participate in this initiative and plans to make this a yearly event.

Diabetes is a major health concern worldwide, according to the World Health Organization at least 171 million people worldwide have diabetes. This figure is likely to more than double by 2030 to reach 366 million. As such, a cure for diabetes is a cure for the world.

JDRF is 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. Type 1diabetes 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.

Since its founding in 1970 by parents of children with juvenile diabetes, JDRF has awarded more than US$800 million to diabetes research, including more than US$80 million in 2003. In 2003, the Foundation funded 500 centres, grants and fellowships in 19 countries. The campaign in Malaysia managed to raise more than RM40,000 and the funds collected will now be divided between JDRF and a local organisation that provides information and social services to diabetics.

"This event marks the culmination of efforts from our employees working together with our business partners, suppliers and sponsors. Although these efforts may seem small, we believe that we have taken a big step forward in aligning ourselves and our efforts to fight diabetes," said the organising chairperson, Plant Manager, Lindsay Benson

Ford Malaysia plans to do this in two ways. Firstly, by creating awareness of the dangers of diabetes among its employees and the larger community of Kuala Lumpur. And secondly, by raising funds for diabetes research and local diabetes support groups.

"In Malaysia, it is estimated that 8% of the population has diabetes. 1 out of every 3 people who has diabetes is not receiving the necessary treatment. As such, this effort to create awareness is critical in reaching these people and equipping them with the knowledge and support to fight back," he added.

Ford Malaysia employees and their families being flagged off on the symbolic 2.7-km walk at Taman Pertanian Bukit Cahaya Seri Alam in Shah Alam, Selangor, last month.