When giveback.my launched the Save Lives in India Campaign on 30th April 2021, the target set at RM100 000, to be raised soonest, seemed daunting at first.
With many already grappling with their own daily challenges, the surge in infections, hospitalisations, deaths throughout the nation, and the added stress over confusions from the changing rules and SOPs, the BAC team met, gave thoughtful consideration, and finally rolled out the campaign.
Within two weeks of its launch, the Save Lives in India Campaign has met its target, thanks to the many individuals and organisations who contributed to the cause.
Unicef’s Campaign Poster (Source: Unicef Malaysia)
One of the organisations which stepped forward was Cisco Security, one of the oldest security providers in Malaysia. Cisco Security, generously donated RM16 000, on behalf of the Cisco Group, closing the overall campaign.
The people at Cisco Security have been closely following the situation in India at that time, and it was just right that this initiative was brought to their attention by Rabin Nijhar, Managing Director of the company, who is friends with Raja Singham, Founder and Managing Director of BAC Education Group.
Apart from providing certified security services, the Cisco Group has now expanded to include three companies with their own specialties – Cisco (M), Cisco Biosecurity and Cisco Security Academy (CSA). Its latest endeavour, Cisco Racing, is helmed by legendary rally driver Karamjit Singh, known to many as ‘The Flying Sikh.’
Another heart wrenching campaign poster (Source: Unicef Malaysia)
GoodNews asked Xander Boden, Sponsorship Manager at Cisco Racing, who or what inspired Cisco Security to join the campaign.
“Karamjit Singh who is both brand ambassador and race driver of the Cisco Racing Team brought to our attention that he wanted to do something to help. Our Managing Director, Rabin Nijhar understood that Cisco was in a position to help, and felt that it was our moral duty to do so. And together, they pushed for the initiative.”
As time was of essence, funds were raised through the management of Cisco Security itself, as they understood the need to respond quickly.
No one is spared, from the young to the old (Images by Unicef Malaysia)
The people of India are still struggling to battle the raging outbreak of the Covid-19 virus. Hospitals and health care facilities are close to breaking point in their fight against this devastating wave, but thousands of people are still being shunned from receiving appropriate treatment, impacting children, families, and communities throughout the country.
With severe shortage of oxygen tanks, hospital beds, and medical supplies, India is a nation exhausted by the wrath of this pandemic, its healthcare system overwhelmed, and panic-stricken.
The dire need for oxygen tanks and medical supplies (Images by Unicef Malaysia)
With the RM100 000 raised through the Save Lives in India Campaign, and with many other nations sending humanitarian assistance and emergency supplies to help this country slowly get back on its feet, we hope that better healthcare services and infrastructure will be made available to the people of India, especially vulnerable communities.
When asked where does Cisco Security see itself in terms of creating impact, Xander remarked,
“The pandemic has been a double-edged sword for us. Although we continue growing from strength to strength as an organisation, we are unable to sit by and do nothing about the suffering this pandemic is causing. We are glad we’ve been able to contribute to this initiative by BAC, and we hope that our donation will inspire those who have something to give back, as it is needed now more than ever.”
As we Malaysians, go into our 3rd lockdown, let us continue to stay vigilant, with health and safety as our top priority. Together, we shall overcome.
