Local businesses champion Singapore spirit, spread National Day joy

AUGUST is the month when we celebrate all things Singapore - our national identity, spirit, and culture, among others. And during this trying pandemic, it has never been more important for us to care for one another - particularly frontline workers, delivery riders, migrant workers and marginalised communities.

Together, Singapore Cares is a National Day campaign and the joint collaboration of SG Cares Office, NDP21 Engagement Committee, the National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre (NVPC), the National Council of Social Service and other corporate and community partners. Here's a closer look at some companies that have teamed up to help reinforce the fabric of the nation.

Standard Chartered Bank (Singapore) Limited ACE Seniors

FOR the fourth consecutive year, Standard Chartered Bank (Singapore) has partnered with ACE Seniors to run a National Day celebration for over 8,200 seniors across 30 nursing homes and community hospitals. The bank's staff volunteers packed and distributed goodie bags, and made cards for seniors and healthcare workers.

Patrick Lee, cluster CEO for Singapore and Asean markets of Standard Chartered Bank, said: "This is a signature event organised by ACE Seniors, and we have been partnering them since 2018. Supporting this mega celebration for seniors is part of Silver Lining - the bank's community initiative that supports senior citizens in Singapore.

"We recognise that a rapidly ageing population has far-reaching social and economic impact, so we want to rally our resources to be part of the solution. While we cannot organise large-scale celebrations at the moment, we can be creative to keep the National Day spirit high and bring joy to our seniors."

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Mr Lee added that this year's National Day Parade theme is Together, Our Singapore Spirit, and said that volunteering is how we can unite people.

"This means keeping a lookout for one another, and caring for groups who need our support, especially during these challenging times. Supporting the community is our way of celebrating Singapore's 56th birthday, which has also been our home for over 160 years."

Mr Lee said that NVPC's Company of Good (COG), "has allowed us to pool the best of our resources together to make a collective impact on the community".

Marina Bay Sands ACE Seniors ZelesNetwork

SANDS Cares, Marina Bay Sands' (MBS) community engagement programme, will be working with social enterprises ACE Seniors and Zeles Network to bring cheer to seniors residing in homes this year.

Besides sponsoring goodie bags and cakes for seniors at two homes, the integrated resort is tapping the many talents of its workforce for the celebrations. These include making over 3,500 cards by hand for healthcare workers and seniors, virtual engagement via the programming and production of a video that showcases the talents of its staff, and a virtual tour of MBS.

The video will also be used as part of the virtual programming organised by ACE Seniors and Zeles Network, and will reach 30 nursing homes and community hospitals.

MBS' chief operating officer Paul Town said: "When we first brainstormed for preliminary ideas to engage with seniors this year, we were concerned about the unpredictable nature of the evolving Covid-19 situation. With limited visitor caps and social distancing measures, the uncertainty was stacked against us, and we had to rethink our usual practice of conducting such physical programmes ...

"Our aim was to come up with a programme that is both entertaining and meaningful, and that would allow our 10,000 strong workforce to participate. At the same time, we knew that we could tap our existing resources and partnerships to still put together something tangible that would reflect our team members' heartfelt wishes. The result is a Marina Bay Sands-wide effort in partnership with ACE Seniors and Zeles Network."

He added that the virtual engagement programme was a collaboration between many departments in the organisation.

"It takes the seniors on a tour around our extensive property and combines the unique talents and expertise of our team members, featuring a follow-along stretching routine from the trainers of our fitness centre; the art of being calm by our museum team; and towel art by our housekeeping team."

Mr Town said that COG has helped connect various organisations with a shared passion for giving to play on one another strengths to better the lives of those in need. "For us, it has served as a platform to learn more about the different initiatives in the community and helped us brainstorm new ways for collaboration in the future".

Tong Eng Group HealthServe

HEALTHSERVE is expanding its mental health services in 2021 to include self-help and community-wide education on psychological first aid, 24/7 crisis helpline for migrant workers, counselling support and other specialised services such as escalation to psychiatric care.

The organisation also provides assistance to migrant workers with work injury claims and legal, criminal or employment-related issues.

In recognition of migrant workers as integral stakeholders who are helping to create and support the built environment in Singapore, real estate development and investment company Tong Eng Group will match donations to HealthServe dollar for dollar - up to S$50,000 - to show appreciation and support for this group of people.

Eunice Teo, executive director of Tong Eng Group, said: "As a real estate development and investment company with over 70 years of heritage, Tong Eng Group is familiar with the importance of the work that the migrant workers do, the difficulties they may encounter, and we are appreciative of their efforts...

"Through the initiative, Migrant Assistance and Mental Health Support, we hope to encourage fellow industry players to join us in helping to create a more conducive living environment for migrant workers to thrive in Singapore."

• Together, Singapore Cares champions the SG Cares Spirit of doing good in the community. Browse the list of corporate initiatives at cityofgood.sg/national-day