Back to School Campaign ‘Cerahi Kehidupan Bersama TOP’ Returns Bigger and Better to Support 333 Children from Single Mother-Led Familie

The daily struggle of single mother-led families in Malaysia has worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 150,000 single mothers have registered for aid with the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development1. 

A Brighter Future with TOP back-to-school campaign is back supporting 333 primary school children from single mother-led families. This year TOP collaborates with  Jabatan Kebajikan Malaysian (JKM), AEON and Shopee.

 

A survey2 found that single mothers are the hardest hit group during the pandemic as they are the main breadwinner and the sole caregiver for their families. For financially stretched single mothers, the back-to-school season can be highly stressful as they need to provide for their children’s future on a tight budget. 

Understanding the need of single mothers, the Cerahi Kehidupan Bersama TOP (Brighter Future with TOP) charity fund-raising campaign returns bigger and better in collaboration with Jabatan Kebajikan Malaysian (JKM), AEON and Shopee, with the goal of equipping students from single-mother led families with back-to-school essentials for the 2022 school year.

JKM shortlisted current aid recipients including single mother-led families as well as those who are care-givers for bed-ridden or differently-abled family members. Priority was given to families with children starting Primary One in 2022. Meanwhile, TOP identified families who had experienced reduced or lost income during the pandemic through media reports. Priority is given to families with children who will start Year One in 2022. TOP has contacted these single mothers to obtain details on the sizing and other requirement for the 333 children involved. TOP reached out to these mothers individually for sizing details and to personalise the back-to-school essentials for 333 children.

A portion of sales from selected TOP detergent products across AEON stores and Shopee platform (via the official Southern Lion store) from November 25 to December 26, 2021 will be channelled to equipping these 333 primary school students. 

The back-to-school essentials include brand new school uniform, school shoes, socks, stationery set, pencil case, and colour pencils for each child. Each family will receive a 2.3kg pack of TOP powder detergent, while the children will receive a soft toy, and an exclusive illustrated book by multi-award winning children’s picture book author and illustrator Emila Yusof, who has created more than 40 books for children such as the Dina series that includes My Mother's Garden, My Mother's Kitchen, My Father's Farm and the latest, Dina's Art Class.

TOP will deliver the personalised back-to-school packs to JKM offices in 12 states for distribution to the single mother-led families in 2022, ahead of the new school term.

Since its inception in 2015, the Cerahi Kehidupan Bersama TOP campaign has benefited 2,880 children from 85 communities nationwide with back-to-school essentials, while contributing TOP detergent products to their families and caregivers.

Just in time for the back-to-school campaign, the brand has introduced TOP Gentle Care Advanced Micro-Clean Tech liquid detergent that can remove 99.9% of viruses (COVID-19 and Influenza A) and bacteria3. 

TOP Gentle Care Advanced Micro-Clean Tech liquid detergent can remove 99.9% of viruses (including COVID-19 and Influenza A), and bacteria.

TOP Gentle Care is formulated with Caring Touch Tech for an overall skin-nurturing experience. Powered by plant-based active ingredients which are free from the five most common allergens that trigger skin sensitivity, it is suitable for the wellbeing of the entire family’s skin. The skin-loving pH formula is dermatologically tested, with a lasting citrusy fresh and clean fragrance. This gentle, skin-friendly detergent uses 3X Stain Busting Tech to effectively remove even the toughest stains by penetrating deeply through fabric layers, pulling out stains and keeping dirt from redepositing onto laundry. TOP Gentle Care uses Fibre Care Tech to protect clothes by conditioning fabric at the fibre level to help clothes retain the look and feel of newness for longer.

During the pandemic, TOP has become a comforting presence for many, helping to ease the burden of Orang Asli students and their families, single mothers, frontliners, vaccinators and the homeless through product contributions totalling approximately RM600,000. The brand has also raised spirit with the rousing tribute song ‘Bebas Melangkah’.

“While the pandemic has been difficult for all of us, Malaysians are proving resilient and bouncing back by lifting up and supporting those who are most in need. TOP is proud to play our part as Keluarga Malaysia being here for you in good times, and tough times. The Cerahi Kehidupan Bersama TOP campaign is more needful than ever as it reduces the burden on single mother-led families, and encourages children to readjust to in-person school again. We understand that some children will face anxiety to return to school after spending a long time at home which is why we are including a soft toy and a beautifully illustrated limited edition book by famed artist, author and children’s book illustrator Emila Yusof to help educate them on the correct technique of handwashing in preparing them to get back to school,” says Ms Ling Ai Li, Marketing Manager of Fabric Care Division at Southern Lion Sdn Bhd.

Commenting on the cooperation, JKM commended and lauded the noble efforts of TOP in organizing the Brighter Future with TOP initiative which can benefit those affected during the Covid 19 pandemic.

For Emila Yusof the collaboration with TOP allows her to provide gentle guidance on health and hygiene to children who are still coping with life changes due to the pandemic through the story of Kiki that follows a young girl in a typical pandemic day with her mother’s frequent reminders to wash hands, and to wash clothes. “Children remember the stories their mothers tell them at bedtime well into adulthood, and the illustrations act as a visual reminder on what they should do. I’m delighted that this collaboration with TOP can bring comfort and more closeness between single mothers and their children,” says Emila. 

Get the limited edition children’s book ‘Kiki Menentang Dunia Kuman’ by Emila Yusof for FREE with the purchase of TOP detergent or Kirei Kirei products worth RM45 and above.

The limited edition book ‘Kiki Menentang Dunia Kuman’ by Emila Yusof will be gifted to all the Cerahi Kehidupan Bersama TOP recipients. The public can redeem this beautifully illustrated book by purchasing RM45 and above of TOP detergent or Kirei-Kirei hand wash products in a single receipt from AEON or Shopee via Southern Lion Official Store, Whatsapp 018-6688025 with their details and proof of purchase before answering one simple question. For more information, please visit https://www.facebook.com/TOPdetergentMY.

“This is the first year that we are working with Shopee for the campaign as we notice that consumers are increasingly purchasing our products on this platform. We hope that it will result in a higher collection and the opportunity to help even more children than the 333 that we have committed to aiding. Help us help more single mothers and their school going children so they can enjoy a brighter future,” adds Ms Ling in closing.

To find out more about TOP products and the campaign, please visit http://www.southernlion.com.my or call customer care line at 1800-88-0133.

About Southern Lion Sdn Bhd

Southern Lion Sdn. Bhd. is a 50/50 joint venture company between Lam Soon (M) Bhd and LION CORPORATION, Japan. It continuously improves the quality of life of Malaysia consumers by offering household products of innovative concepts at affordable prices ranged from fabric care, home care and beauty care to oral care. Southern Lion is the first detergent manufacturer to be ISO 9001 certified.

About TOP Detergent

TOP the No 1* Detergent Brand in Malaysia, is an innovative, consumer-centric brand by Lion Corporation Japan, that has been uplifting the way we do laundry in Malaysia through continuous research, producing breakthrough innovation to serve and improve consumer living. It is known for championing the concept of hygienically clean living through its continuous detergent technology innovations. The new TOP Advanced Micro-Clean Tech with Lion Japan’s Anti-Microbial Tech deploys next generation detergent technology that effectively removes 99.9% of harmful viruses including (COVID-19 & Influenza A), and bacteria3. This specially curated multi-tech formulation works immediately upon contact by locking the viruses & bacteria, then removing them off clothes with one powerful wash.

 

Just stay home and be safe

It's January 2021, sharing with you a video of local Chinese New Year cookies. You can see there's lot wrapping on it and it's an online ordered from the store. It's nicely wrap and the cookies were not damage. Just you need to spend time cutting the wrapper away. The cookie gift set, one of it also comes with a greeting card. You may click on the link to see more information.

It's almost back to school soon but back to school is postponed now so my kids will one online study soon. However we have bought their school shoes, my eldest son is wearing bigger size school shoes. He is taller than his dad now and his feet is bigger than both of us. You may click on the link to see what kind of shoes he is wearing. He is going to be Form 3 this year, he studied in SMK school.

Being a kid is fun as they get to choose the shoes they wanted to wear and also designed of the shoes. Now when comes to school shoes, my son found some nice shoes for going back to school. School shoes that have anti-bacterial. They have many stylish designed too, check it out I saw a pair that's like working adult types. Shoe laces type of school shoes also available and we can get kids start learning with shoe lace shoes. 

Parenting is not an easy task and there's a lot of ironing to do. I am sure you be will looking for wrinkle free school uniform, click on the link to check it out. There have for primary and secondary school students. 

I know everyone would be interested to buy fresh vegetables. I found the website that is user friendly and easy to browse to buy veggie box. You can also choose monthly to purchase or just one purchase. I shared my experienced on other blog, you can click on it to view it.

Don't forget that we need to remain follow the SOP. 

Social distancing, Hand Sanitizing and Hand wash often, Wear a mask. 

Back to school 15 July 2020

growing up fast, this photo was taken when he was below 12 years old.

It's month of July 2020, soon my son will be back to school on 15 July 2020. He has tried out the school uniform and he still can fit them. However he has not try out the school shoes, I think he can still fit in them as few months back I have bought a few pair shoes which is one or two size bigger for him. He will be getting ready hand sanitizer, extra face mask to school in case one mask is filled with sweat he got to change it with another. Of course the standard operating procedure of school to follow. I also will be giving him wipes in case he needs to use to wipe something.

Social distancing to practice of course in the school, he shared the video of school for me to see that they are practice one way walking in and out of the school.

I am sure of how is the SOP of his little brother for primary school that's his turn to back to school on 22 July 2020. It's going to be same that we be providing him the hand sanitizer, wipes, and extra face mask to bring to school. He already know of the importance of social distancing. He got a personalized mask, but he will not be using that for schooling.

Besides back to school soon, it's maybe month of August that the boys got to go back to tuition centre as waiting the tuition centre to confirm and let us know about it. As for now they are both online tuition at home, I have problem with Ipad access to Google classroom so I didn't use that anymore. My laptop is 15 years old and has got a few times auto shut down by itself, my son is using it for attending online school class Google Meet. Ipad can us for Zoom meeting, for tuition and other online class school.

The month of July indeed a special month, it's also my hubby birthday. Some of my friends already started their plan on vacation in Malaysia and some of them already started visiting places in Malaysia. As for us, we just keep calm and stay home not planning for any vacation at the moment.

Photo above my son wearing the personalized t-shirt made in 2015, click on the link to read about it.

GUARDIAN GIVES GARFIELD ON-THE-GO, SPREAD BACK-TO-SCHOOL AND FESTIVE CHEER

 On 29 December 2015, I was invited to attend the year-end luncheon specially organized for the children from three homes in the Klang Valley. Peter Dove, CEO of Guardian Health and Beauty Sdn Bhd and the senior management of Guardian Malaysia, played the host on the day.

The children aged 7 to 17 from Grace Community Services, Good Samaritan Home and Parents without Partners, enjoyed a scrumptious lunch and an afternoon of fun-filled activities put together just for them by Guardian Malaysia.

 Buffet spread luncheon awaiting them for the special luncheon day and also face painting where they to choose the face painting that they preferred. There were also activities awaiting them to take part together. It's good time everyone is having at the event.

 To celebrate the season of giving with 100 underprivileged children on the special day, presenting each child with exclusive Garfield On-the-Go backpacks, trolley bags and schooling necessities. Next week the school is starting, its good to give them the backpacks so they can get ready to back to school.

The Garfield On-the-Go items are available exclusively at Guardian, which recently launched a redemption programme.

 Christine Low, Marketing Director of Guardian Malaysia, said the programme had gained incredible traction since it began in November, and the Company is constantly on the lookout for ways to reward customers and improve their shopping experience at Guardian.

 Children from Parents without Partners happily posing with Christine Low, Marketing Director of Guardian Malaysia.

Thank you Guardian Malaysia for inviting me to this meaningful event. 

I am happy to see that children and their care-givers are happy spending the time together and get to know each other during the event. 

Group photo with children from three homes, Peter J. Dove, Chief Executive Officer of Guardian Health and Beauty Sdn Bhd (Guardian Malaysia) and senior management of Guardian Malaysia.

Guardian Malaysia is honored to have this opportunity of sharing and giving this festive season. While they celebrate, it is also their culture to reach out to those in need, while is in line with giving back to the community programme. 

Dove hopes the exclusively designed bags featuring one of the most-loved icons for youngsters would kick-start the school year for the children. 

If you like to own the Garfield On-the-Go merchandise, do refer the below redemption programme.

DETAILS OF THE GARFIELD ON-THE-GO REDEMPTION PROGRAMME:
You only need to make a purchase of RM20 to receive one stamp. Once you have collected 20 stamps, you can redeem Garfield merchandises at discounted prices. You can also gain extra stamps by purchasing star-buy items.


Stamps will be issued at all participating Guardian stores nationwide:
* From 19 November 2015 to 29 February 2016 for Peninsular Malaysia
* From 3 December 2015 to 29 February 2016 for East Malaysia


Once you have collected 20 stamps, you can:
* Redeem a Garfield overnighter at RM29 (retail price RM79);
* Redeem a Garfield backpack at RM39 (retail price RM99);
* Redeem a Garfield school trolley bag at RM69 (retail price RM199);
* Redeem a Garfield 18” wheeled luggage at RM129 (retail price RM399).

Redemption can be made from 19 November 2015 to 14 March 2016. *While stocks last.