Sokong Team
Tue Aug 27 2024

Sokong's 1st Year Anniversary: Celebrating a Year of Impact, Collaboration, and Community

As we mark Sokong’s first anniversary, we reflect with immense pride and gratitude on our remarkable journey. In just one year, we have grown from a digital platform into a vibrant hub that connects individuals and companies with causes they care deeply about. Our mission has always been to empower communities and support impactful initiatives, and the past year has been a testament to the power of collective effort and unwavering dedication.

Championing Community Causes

From the outset, Sokong has been dedicated to supporting organisations that uplift communities and provide essential services. Our platform has been a catalyst for positive change, helping over 60 beneficiaries like Yayasan Chow Kit, National Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM), Hopes Malaysia, and more to connect with a broader audience and secure critical funding. These organisations have worked tirelessly to make a difference, from ensuring vulnerable children receive nutritious meals to providing clean water in rural areas and supporting cancer patients in need of care–you name it. Our role in amplifying their missions has been both fulfilling and inspiring.

Memorable Events and Collaborations

Our journey has been marked by several standout events that allowed us to engage directly with the public and support important causes.

MyCatExpo was a highlight where we truly felt the pulse of the community. Supporting our furry friends alongside dedicated animal rescuers like Shikin’s Team, we saw first-hand the incredible enthusiasm and love for cats. The collective effort helped raise awareness and vital support for local animal welfare organisations, showcasing the profound impact we can make together.

Another standout event this year was the It’s Okay To Be Different Autism Awareness Bazaar, organised by GMBB and curated by Mr JC Lee, with Sokong proudly serving as the media partner. Held during World Autism Month, the bazaar was dedicated to raising awareness and promoting inclusivity for the special needs community. Stand Pie Me was part of the group of thoughtfully selected vendors and exhibitors during the bazaar.

We also had the privilege of collaborating with the Rotary Club of Klang Valley and MS Society Malaysia for a Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Event. This impactful event, supported by the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA), featured a panel discussion at the Malaysiakini venue, drawing over 50 attendees, including patients, caregivers, and community members.

IMG_1142.jpeg

The panel included a consultant neurologist, an MS patient, and a caregiver, who shared poignant narratives that illuminated the emotional challenges and medical complexities of the disease. This collaboration underscored the importance of early education, access to medication, and psychological support for those living with MS.

Fitness and health were prominently featured in our involvement in the REDLINE Fitness Games, which began with the Cycle for Change Challenge at Hari Belia Negara 2024 in Melaka. This challenge, powered by Concept2 Malaysia BikeErg and supported by The Body Shop Malaysia, encouraged participants to stay active while raising funds for Yayasan Chow Kit’s Food Programme.

The success of this initiative demonstrated how integrating fitness with philanthropy can make a meaningful impact. The Cycle for Change Challenge continued its momentum at the REDLINE Fitness Games 2024 at MIECC, where participants embraced the opportunity to combine physical activity with charitable giving, ensuring that children in need received nutritious meals through the support of our community.

Partnering with Global Brands: HEINEKEN Cares 2023

A major highlight of this year was our collaboration with The SPARK Foundation through their HEINEKEN Cares 2023–'Cheers to Giving Back!' initiative. This community impact program aimed to build resilience in communities facing social and economic challenges across Malaysia. The initiative supported six impactful NGOs and social enterprises focused on critical areas such as food security, community farming, and improving access to clean water and renewable electricity.

A Year of Growth and Impact

In just one year, Sokong has evolved into more than a digital fundraising platform and we are proud to announce that we have channelled a total of RM398,000 in donations to Sokong’s beneficiaries. Our achievements—from impactful events to dynamic collaborations—highlight our commitment to making a difference. As we celebrate our first anniversary, we look back with pride on the progress we've made and the lives we've touched.

Looking Forward

As we mark this milestone, we remain focused on the future. Sokong is dedicated to expanding our reach, forging new partnerships, and continuing to support causes that matter. We are excited about the opportunities ahead and are committed to building on the momentum of our first year.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to our incredible community. Whether you participated in our events, donated to a cause, or shared our mission, you have been an integral part of our journey. Together, we’ve demonstrated that with a shared purpose, we can achieve remarkable things.

Thank you for being a part of Sokong’s first year. Here’s to many more years of impact, growth, and community!

by malaysiakini

Join Sokong today and together let's empower giving and elevate impact for a better tomorrow.