Garnier community shows it cares this Raya - Girls from three orphanages celebrate Raya with Garnier fans and celebrity friends

International skin and personal care brand Garnier rounded up a year of philanthropic acts under its Sinar Cahayaku program on 7th September 2012 with a joyous and heart-warming Raya celebration attended by over 50 orphans, fans from its official Facebook page and a lineup of celebrities including Garnier ambassador Lisa Surihani, singer and entrepreneur Heliza Helmi, and actress and TV host Irma Hasmie.

Sinar Cahayaku was initiated by Garnier in January this year with the aim of providing sisterly friendship, advice and support to orphan girls in their growing years. Three orphanages were identified as beneficiaries of this program and they are Rumah Amal Limpahan Kasih, Rumah Anak-anak Yatim Asrama Damai, and Rumah Amal Siraman Kasih.

In her opening speech at the Raya celebration, Low Chooi Hoon, General Manager of L'Oreal Malaysia Consumer Product Division said that Sinar Cahayaku was inspired by Garnier's brand philosophy of 'Take Care' - which means taking care of yourself, others and the world around you.

Low said: "In Malaysia, Garnier is realizing this belief through the attainment of 'halal' certification from the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia or JAKIM for Garnier Light range of products, so as to reassure Muslim consumers of using skin and personal care products that are consistent with their religious belief".

"Garnier's belief of 'taking care of others and the world around you' is also realized through the Sinar Cahayaku program, in which the brand plays the role of a big sister to show friendship, encouragement and care to orphan girls of the beneficiary homes," she said.

"In fact, female members of the Garnier community in this program are known as 'kakak-angkat'(foster older sister); and the orphan girls are affectionately referred to as 'adik-angkat'(foster younger sister)," she added.

Preceding the evening of celebration was a workshop where the lovely 'adik-angkat' spent some interaction time with their 'kakak-angkat'. They were treated to a motivational talk by Heliza Helmi, as well as a fun and games session with Lisa Surihani and Irma Hasmie.

Other than the celebrities, Garnier's Facebook community also turned up to lend their support to the girls. Invitations were extended in July through Facebook to supporters of the program to send in their Raya greetings to the 'adik angkat'. Those who sent in Raya greetings with the most sincere and warm-hearted messages were invited to meet the 'adik-angkat' in person.

"We received many beautiful and well-wishing Raya greeting cards after we opened up the invitation in Garnier's Facebook. These are truly big-hearted Malaysian women who would like to do their part to give back to the community and Garnier is very pleased to have provided this meaningful avenue for them," commented Low on the participation of Garnier Facebook fans.

As part of the program, Garnier has pledge to provide some financial assistance to the three orphanages in the program. In the Raya celebration following the afternoon workshop, Garnier officially presented its donation of RM 10,000 to each of the homes.

"We have earlier committed to provide some financial support for all the homes under Sinar Cahayaku program and we are pleased to present it to them today. We hope this will go to help the girls in a significant way, like the program," said Low after she presented the cheques to representatives of the respective homes.

The celebration ends with a sumptuous feast together with the celebrities and orphan girls. Celebrities and Garnier team took the opportunity to present Raya gifts to each of the "adik angkat" while wishing and bidding each other Selamat Hari Raya.

Thanks Cik Lily Putih for extended the invitation to me :)