KUALA LUMPUR, 22 March 2014 – FlyFirefly Sdn Bhd (Firefly) and the Malaysian AIDS Foundation (MAF) sealed their partnership on the Connecting Communities Programme, a charitable initiative that seeks to improve the quality of life of underprivileged people living with HIV, with a day of fun and games with the community and residents of the WAKE (Pertubuhan Wanita dan Kesihatan Kuala Lumpur) shelter homes here today.

Initially launched online in early February, the Connecting Communities Programme is a crowdfunding campaign by way of the Firefly online booking webpage which gives its customers the opportunity to donate one ringgit per purchase of flight ticket. All proceeds raised from this campaign will benefit communities served by MAF, particularly underprivileged women and children living with HIV, through its Treatment, Care and Support Programme.

“The business model of Firefly is one that puts people at the heart of its operations. It is indeed disheartening to learn that HIV stigma and prejudice still prevail to this day. Stigma causes communities and people at-risk to be pushed to the fringes of society, which in turn impedes their access to lifesaving HIV treatment and care services such as ones provided by MAF and its partner WAKE. This reality check is what drives us to end this vicious cycle. Through our partnership with MAF, we hope to connect with communities that are underserved and offer them, in our own way, the support they need to improve their quality of life and health,” said Rafizah Amran, Firefly’s Head Of Marketing & Communications Department.

MAF Chairman Prof. Dr. Adeeba Kamarulzaman thanked Firefly and commended its efforts to align its business model to its social conscience. “The HIV epidemic has been around for more than three decades now. While we continue to make great strides in its clinical treatment, we still have a long way to go in terms of addressing the negative socio-economic impact, especially on people living with HIV themselves. Therefore, we are grateful for corporations like Firefly who have stepped up its commitment to serving communities affected by HIV whose needs are often ignored,” she commented.

MAF Chairman Prof. Dr. Adeeba Kamarulzaman (extreme right) greets a female resident of the WAKE shelter home.

At the event, Firefly staff members treated residents of the WAKE shelter homes – comprising HIV-infected and affected children, women and transgender persons – to an outdoor barbecue and other interactive activities such as colouring, face painting and sing-a-long. Guests were also entertained by Red Ribbon Celebrity Supporter Bob Yusof who made a special appearance.

Red Ribbon Celebrity Supporter Bob Yusof (extreme right) interacts with residents of the WAKE shelter home.

A child resident of the WAKE shelter home enjoys having his face painted by an artist.

A Firefly representative (left) presents a gift hamper of food products to a WAKE shelter home resident (right).

The Connecting Communities Programme will continue until 3 May 2014. “We wish to thank all our customers who have made their contributions to the programme, and urge all others to do the same. Change is just a click of the button away,” added Rafizah.

[END]

FlyFirefly Sdn Bhd

Firefly, Malaysia’s Premium Short-Haul Carrier began its operations in April 2007. Currently, it operates a fleet of 12 ATR 72-500 and 2 ATR 72-600 turboprop out of Penang and Subang, connecting secondary destinations within the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle as well as providing air linkages between Malaysia and Singapore. Firefly provides incredible value as well as convenient flight timings and excellent service to its passengers. On the ATR 72-500 and ATR 72-600 passengers are allowed 20kg check-in baggage allowance, provided complimentary in-flight refreshment, assigned seating and convenient city airports. Firefly has received numerous awards and recognition. The most recent was on April 24, 2012 when Firefly was accorded Putra Most Promising Brand of the Year by Putra Brand Awards. Five months prior to this, on November 15, 2011, Firefly was conferred “Superbrand” status. Other awards received include the 2010 Frost & Sullivan Value Airline of the Year award and the Green Initiative of the Year 2010 award by Leaders in Aviation in conjunction with the Doha Aviation Summit. Firefly is also recognised as the Best Brand in Aviation for the Brand Laureate. Firefly connects with the world through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Malaysian AIDS Foundation

The Malaysian AIDS Foundation (MAF) was formed in 1992 to raise and administer funds to support the activities and programmes of Malaysian AIDS Council (MAC) and its Partner Organisations, under the patronage of YABhg Datin Paduka Seri Rosmah Mansor, wife of the Prime Minister. MAF funds prevention, treatment and care programmes conducted by MAC. MAF also distributes corporate donors’ funds to support projects that have been unable to secure government funding or projects located in parts of the country where resources are scarce. For more information on MAF, logon to its dedicated website, www.mac.org.my

Contact