Universal McCann Malaysia shuts down for a day to clean Klang river

Universal McCann (UM), IPG Mediabrands’ full service global media agency closed its office for a day on 25th July for UM Impact Day, its global CSR project.

The initiative is a global CSR event for UM, currently in its second year. In conjunction with this annual initiative, all UM offices across the globe will partake in local volunteering works of their choice to align with the agency’s core values of ‘caring and community’.

“UM Impact Day is inspiring to all because it is not just a local but global initiative. Every year on this day, we leave our office, go into the real world and make a difference.

“This year will be special because we’re doing something that lasts to help our environment and its sustainability. Our UM, Ensemble and Inventure teams will leave behind an imprint that is beautiful and meaningful for us and for the community,” said Amit Sutha, Group Managing Director of UM and Ensemble Worldwide.

This year’s initiative sees UM Impact Day in Malaysia work in conjunction with the Global Environment Centre on The River of Life (ROL) Public Outreach Programme, a seven-year project to transform the Klang River into a vibrant and liveable waterfront with high economic value.

The programme aims at fostering meaningful partnerships and improve attitudes and behaviours to reduce pollution.

Targeting a site at Kampung Kasipillay, over 100 volunteers spent the day cleaning the riverside and the surrounding walking trek that is used daily by the local community.

Volunteers were tasked with beautifying the area by giving it a complete makeover by way of a large mural painting uniquely designed by the team at Ensemble, using paints sponsored by client Nippon Paint.

“By doing this, we hope to instil the important message of river conservation. Everything around us is connected, and the river as our water source forms our very lifeblood.

“It is our intention with this project to not only beautify the area but help build a sense of community and ownership of the river for the local community,” commented Amit.

Other clients who contributed to the UM Impact Day cause included F&N and Munchy’s who provided food and beverages for the UM volunteers on the day.

Amit adds, “We are thankful for the kind sponsorship and support by our clients Nippon Paint, F&N and Munchy’s. It is certainly heartening to see our partners work together with us to help make this year’s project another local and global success.”

Dr. K. Kalithasan, Manager of the River Care Programme at Global Environment Centre (GEC) said, “We are thankful for the support of corporates like UM, who have demonstrated their strong philosophy of giving back to the community through the River of Life Public Outreach Programme Phase 5, and hope that other corporations will follow suit.

” The care of our rivers starts with every individual, and it is our hope that every Malaysian will play their part towards saving and protecting our rivers and the environment.”

Globally, over 80 UM offices closed to participate in this second annual UM Impact Day.