UM supports Autism Cafe project this Impact Day

Universal McCann (UM), the global media agency network of IPG Mediabrands, announced its fifth annual day of service to the community, UM Impact Day, on 21st July.

Launched under UM’s corporate social responsibility initiative, Better World, Impact Day exemplifies the agency’s commitment to community and care and its employees’ commitment to driving a better workplace, work product and world for the communities in which they live and serve.

Themed “Homecoming”, UM Impact Day this year saw 60 UM employees in Malaysia come together to support the Autism Café Project – a project that was established to secure the future independence of youth with autism.

Chief Executive Officer of UM, Audrey Chong commented, “After 2 years of virtual events, we’re excited and thankful to have had this opportunity to create a Better World in person this year! Being able to learn more about the activities of this social enterprise that provides job opportunities and gives voice to those living with autism is both exciting and inspiring.

We are honoured to raise more awareness for this deserving enterprise that not only supports an underserved community (youth with autism), but one that also seeks to give back to other communities such as the B40, orphanages and homes.”

This Impact Day saw UM Malaysia inviting clients, partners, friends and family to visit the Autism Cafe Project in Da Men Mall to have lunch and learn more about their activities.

Donations were sought to sponsor meals for the underprivileged which were delivered on the day by UM staff, with booths to sell baked goods from the café, as well as other merchandise to raise funds for the cause. Total donations and sales for the day was RM30,000.

Audrey adds, “Collaborating with Autism Café Project falls in line with our efforts and values at Mediabrands, as we continuously look to expand on our DE&I (diversity, equity and inclusion) efforts. An estimated 4.5 million Malaysians have a disability, and less than 0.5% of them have any form of employment.

All of us at UM are humbled to have had this opportunity to work alongside the staff at the café, and donating food to deserving communities, helping us forge better understanding for one another.

“The donations raised for Autism Café Project will go towards helping them set up an agricultural farming project for the autistic community to learn about farming and sell produce, allowing them to become self-sustaining.

We are truly amazed and touched by the generosity of all our UM friends and family – media owners, clients, colleagues and friends – who heard the stories of this project, visited the café, and chose to open their hearts and wallets in support of them.” said Audrey.