As part of its “Rise Together” campaign, Smart Axiata, Cambodia’s leading mobile telecommunication service provider, will hold a concert virtually to raise funds for Kantha Bopha Children’s Hospital and Angkor Hospital for Children.

Dubbed “The Smile Charity Concert”, the musical event will feature top Cambodian artists and is aimed at providing much-needed financial assistance for the two children’s hospitals which provide free medical care.

Funds will be raised through merchandise sales and donations, and Smart declared that it will match all donations up to $100,000.

“As a company that believes in making communities more resilient, we are thrilled to launch the Smile Charity Concert again amid these challenging times,” said Thomas Hundt, Chief Executive Officer of Smart Axiata.”

While the first Smile Charity Concert was held physically last year, this year’s concert with a star-studded line up on February 14, which is Valentines’ Day, is being held virtually due to the ongoing pandemic.

“Last year’s Smile Charity Concert was a hugely successful campaign to raise awareness of the Cambodia Kantha Bopha Foundation, with thousands of people participating,” Thomas added.

Dr Chan Narith, Head of Secretariat of the Cambodia Kantha Bopha Foundation, said since the ongoing pandemic has been causing financial problems for public health institutions, charity initiatives like Smart’s Smile Charity Concert will play a very important role in ensuring the continuation of free healthcare services for Cambodia’s most vulnerable population.

“Initiatives like Smart’s Smile Charity Concert demonstrate a great awareness of corporate social responsibility and, in this regard, Smart consistently serves as a role model for companies and the private sector in Cambodia,” Dr Narith said.

Meanwhile, Tep Navy, Chief Operating Officer of Angkor Hospital Children, said he and his colleagues appreciate the effort that Smart Axiata has put into raising people’s awareness in helping one another during this hard time.

“We call on the public to make any donations they can during this difficult time,” he said.

The fundraising campaign began on January 18, with donations being accepted until the end of February.

To make donations to the cause, Smart subscribers have to dial *2021* and the desired donation amount, with a pound sign at the end (for example, *2021*1# for a $1 donation). Meanwhile, the merchandise, including T-shirts and tote bags, will also be available in six Smart Shops in Phnom Penh, including Smart Shop Monivong, Smart Shop Nehru, Smart Shop Koh Pich, Smart Shop AEON Mall, Smart Shop AEON Mall Sen Sok and Smart Shop TK Avenue.

• Tags: Rise Together, Smart Axiata