Special Minecraft screening delights over 160 orphans

The smiles were wide and the laughter loud as more than 160 children from four orphanages across Klang Valley gathered at TGV Cinemas, Jaya Shopping Centre, for a special screening of A Minecraft Movie. Organised by Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Malaysia in collaboration with McDonald’s Malaysia, the outing was designed to offer underprivileged children a joyful and memorable day out.

Children from Padmasambhava Children Loving Association Klang Selangor, Pertubuhan Kebajikan Anak Yatim Mary K.L, Pertubuhan Kebajikan Ehsan Ash-Shakur, and Pertubuhan Pendidikan Anak-Anak Yatim Selangor were among the lucky participants. The immersive movie experience was followed by a hearty meal provided by McDonald’s Malaysia, who also took the opportunity to throw a surprise birthday celebration for children born in April and May.

“Moments like these remind us of the importance of creating meaningful experiences for children, especially those who may not often have access to them,” said Dato’ Haji Azmir Jaafar, President of RMHC Malaysia.

RM10,000 contribution to support orphanages

In a show of continued support beyond the movie outing, RMHC Malaysia donated a total of RM10,000 to the participating orphanages. The financial aid aims to enhance the welfare and educational needs of the children under their care, reinforcing RMHC Malaysia’s ongoing mission to uplift underprivileged communities.

The initiative falls under RMHC Malaysia’s broader vision of supporting children’s health and well-being through both direct aid and experiential engagements. The charity, which is the philanthropic arm of McDonald’s Malaysia, has consistently stepped in to provide aid to marginalised children, offering both emotional enrichment and material support.

“We are committed to supporting the well-being of underprivileged children in Malaysia, not just through our core programs, but also through special initiatives like this that bring smiles and joy.” added Dato’ Haji Azmir.

A legacy of giving through film and fun

This special screening is part of McDonald’s Malaysia’s global partnership with Warner Bros. Entertainment, which highlights A Minecraft Movie as this year’s main cinematic attraction. However, this isn’t the first time RMHC Malaysia and McDonald’s Malaysia have partnered to bring the magic of movies to children in need.

Past screenings have included box office hits like Minions: The Rise of Gru in 2022 and Despicable Me 4 in 2024, organised together with long-time partner TGV Cinemas. Over the years, these initiatives have brought joy to more than 360 children, many of whom rarely get the chance to enjoy outings of this nature.

These programs go beyond mere entertainment — they serve as a form of psychosocial support for children who live in institutional care, providing a break from routine and an opportunity to build fond memories.

Core programs for long-term child welfare

While events like movie days offer short-term joy, RMHC Malaysia remains steadfast in its commitment to long-term solutions for child welfare. The organisation runs four flagship programs aimed at improving the quality of life for children in need: the Ronald McDonald House, Ronald McDonald Sensory Room, Gift of Smile Program, and the Back-to-School Program.

These initiatives are tailored to address various aspects of a child’s development — from healthcare to education to emotional well-being. For example, the Ronald McDonald House provides free accommodation for families of paediatric patients, while the Sensory Room supports children with developmental challenges.

The movie outing on 3 May may have lasted only a few hours, but its impact — in laughter, in connection, and in the comfort of being cared for — will linger far longer in the hearts of the children who attended.