The Roche Children’s Walk

Who?

The Roche Children’s Walk is a sponsored walk of Roche employees. Every year ten thousands of employees at over 100 Roche sites around the world participate, to collect donations for children in need. Since 2003, over 115’000 walking employees have made the Roche Children’s Walk a continuous success.

What?

The Roche Children’s Walk supports schools and orphan centers in Malawi, for children aged 3 to 19. The projects are operated by UNICEF and ECPP.
The projects have three common objectives:

• Providing assistance, security and a meal
• Supporting academic learning
• Educating and developing skills to help children become self-sufficient.

Local affiliates can use up to 50% of the raised donations for local children projects.

Why?

Roche has a long tradition of corporate social responsibility. Malawi is one of the least developed countries in the world. Almost half the population is younger than 15 years old and half a million children have been orphaned due to HIV/AIDS. 40% of the population live on less than US$ 1 per day. But Malawi is a peaceful and stable country. One of the key ingredients for development is education. This is why Roche has decided to focus on long-term education projects: because they have the potential to truly make a difference.

Dedicated for a decade

2013 is the year of the 10th Roche Children’s Walk. This is not only an important milestone for the Roche employees, but a sign of our sincere commitment and dedication to corporate social responsibility. Together, we’ve helped make a huge impact in Malawi, brightening the future for many orphaned children and young adults. However, there is still much more to do. We remain dedicated to build a sustainable future for these children.

Our partners

To ensure a thoroughly responsible and effective use of the donations, Roche is cooperating with two experienced and renowned organizations: UNICEF Switzerland and ECPP (European Coalition of Positive People).

Through these partners, Roche supports two distinct projects:

• Running of orphan day centers (supported and overseen by ECPP)
• Classroom construction and training teachers for primary schools (supported and overseen by UNICEF).

Funds raised

Since the first Walk in 2003, Roche employees have raised over 9,6 million Swiss francs. Every cent raised in the Roche Children’s Walk goes to the cause. Roche doubles the donations collected by employees. Since Roche also assumes all Walk and funding administrative expenses, no donations are spent on bureaucracy or fundraising costs. External audits ensure that all funds are used to benefit the children.

Impact

Every donation gives children in Malawi prospects for a better future:

• 50 USD provide one child’s clothing for 1 year
• 100 USD support 6 young people for 1 school year
• 500 USD support school boarding for 1 semester
• 2000 USD furnish 1 class room
• 5000 USD finance the two year education of a teacher

Dedicated to helping?

Please note that only Roche employees can walk the Roche Children’s Walk.

If you are a Roche employee, dedicate yourself: register at your affiliate for walking – and find plenty of sponsors. Or sponsor a colleague.

If you are not employed at Roche, you can support the Roche Children’s Walk too. You are welcome to dedicate your funds by sponsoring a Roche employee you know. Simply contact them or go to our website Re&Act, to make a donation.

“I learnt that doing charity work isn’t just about raising funds. It’s about taking the initiative, to get things done and get the ball rolling.”

Rachel L., Roche Singapore

“Among all the centers, teacher’s Training College was the most impressive. The college has a clearly defined mission to enhance the educational system in the community – as it represents the cornerstone for a sustainable society.”

Leila K., Roche Lebanon

“After the first day in Malawi, I said to myself: I wish I would have raised twice as much!”

Adib E., Roche Mexico

“Simply amazing. It opened my eyes. I have seen that our help makes a difference. Let’s continue!”

Eija M., Roche Finland

“I learnt that day to day basics which so many people take for granted, such as meals, education and sanitary conditions, are not available to so many people who need them.”

Laura P., Roche Diagnostics, Burgess Hill, UK

“The employees’ and Roche’s contributions are making a real difference in these children and families. I feel proud to be a Roche employee and “we save lives”!”

Denise H., Roche Pharma, Sao Paolo, Brazil

“So little is so much to so many!!”

Michael S., Roche Pharma, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Save the date

The Roche Children’s Walk takes place annually on the 16th June – the International Day of the African Child.

In 2013, the Roche Children’s Walk will take place on Friday June 14th (as the 16th is a Sunday).