Proceeds from the activity donated to Bait-Al-Khair in UAE towards their Orphan Fund Project and to be used to support vulnerable children in Malawi as well as around the world, in alignment with the company’s global efforts.

• Roche Children’s Walk 2015 received combined support from the company’s employees in UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Egypt, Lebanon, Iraq, Iran (joining for the first time) and Pakistan; who organized various fund raising activities internally to raise donations
• A global initiative which saw its 12th anniversary this year, Roche employees from 131 company sites across the world, used 24 hours to change a child’s future

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 30 June, 2015: To support the cause of changing a child’s future, Roche Children’s Walk 2015 saw employees from the region undertake various internal fund raising activities, the proceeds from which will go towards supporting day-care centers for orphans and educational initiatives in Malawi, as well as children’s charities in their own countries. With the purpose of encouraging self-sustainable living through skill-building, the money which Roche employees collect during the 24-hour global event is matched by Roche. This year, Bait-Al Khair in UAE has been a recipient of the funds for their Orphan Fund Project which supports vulnerable children and provides them with developmental support.

“The Roche Children’s Walk is a key event in our company’s calendar. It represents our firm conviction that support for social and humanitarian programs should be long-term and foster sustainable solutions,” says Severin Schwan, CEO of Roche. “Over the years the funds raised have improved the lives of many vulnerable children. We will again match the money raised by employees.”

“The initiative marks our continued commitment towards supporting the community and making a positive difference in the lives of those in need, in this case vulnerable children. We are thankful towards our employees for their efforts towards supporting this cause and enthusiastic participation to make this activity a grand success”, said Ehab Yousef - Head of Sub-region Middle East 1 (UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, Egypt) at Roche.

“We see great enthusiasm amongst our employees to be a part of the global cause, resulting in news offices being added to Roche’s world footprint on social responsibility and making a difference in the lives of vulnerable children. We aim to encourage more and more employees to join in each year, contributing to our continued commitment of creating a meaningful impact on the society,” said Olaf Schulzeck - Head of Sub-region Middle East 2 (Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq, Syria, Iran, Pakistan, Palestine) at Roche.

With 62% of the Malawian population living below the international poverty line of USD 1.25 per day and 790,000 children orphaned due to HIV/AIDS, the goal of development efforts is to foster long-term sustainable change in alignment with the eight Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Through partnerships with UNICEF and European Coalition of Positive People (ECPP), Roche contributes to building schools, training teachers, educating children, ensuring sustainable water supply and sanitation, hygiene promotion, decreasing child mortality and supporting orphan centers for children affected by HIV/AIDS. Starting in 2003, Roche employees have continuously raised money for children in need by joining the annual Children’s Walk which takes place on June 16– the International Day of the African Child.