艾美艾尊

SMARTER and Hong Kong Shanghai Bank (HSBC) will be organising a 108 kilometres bike-a-thon to raise over $50,000 in funds needed to sustain's the NGO's operations.

HSBC's Manager for Corporate Sustinability Lim Boon Teck announced the iniative - "Cycle for Smarter"- at Smarter's World Autism Awareness Day at Rimba Primary School in Gadong.

"I have the best job in the world because I get to use the bank's money to give to charity. I became involved with Smarter back in 2004 and have been through volunteering it has made me what I am today. This is my payback," he said.

The cycling challenge will stretch from HSBC's Kuala Belait branch and finish at the Smarter headquarters in Sengkurong. There will also be an eight kilometres community challenge for children that will take place between HSBC Jerudong and the Smarter centre Sengkurong.

All proceeds raised from both events will be donated to the society.

"Individuals with autism can lead a fulfilling life provided they are given the opportunity for proper development. This is in line with the bank's commitment to support education for autistic children," said Lim.

Smarter's President Malai Hj Abdullah Hj Othman told The Brunei Times that as it stands they only have funds to last them another three months. "We hope to raise another $50,000 so that we can keep our three ASD centres afloat till the end of the year. At the moment, our sustainability has to be assessed on a month-to-month basis," he said.

Bruneian-born international star Wu Chun has officially endorsed the event and will be auctioning off autographed items on eBay to raise funds for Smarter. This is chance for Smarter to gain international exposure, Lim said at his presentation during World Autism Awareness Day.

Other local celebrities such as Putri, Fakhrul Razi and Pilihan FM's Deejay Izan will also be supporting the charity drive.

Registrations fees for the 108 kilometre cycling challenge and the eight kilometre community challenge will be $20 and $10 respectively. Registration will open on April 15 and forms will be available from all HSBC branches, Triple Star Enterprise abd Fitness Zone. For more information, interested participants can visit www.cycleforsmarter.com.



source: www.bt.com.bn