Courts Singapore launches charity arm

Singapore

COURTS Singapore on Thursday launched Courts Charity Home, the brand's CSR programme that will organise donations of home products to the needy and provide volunteer opportunities for staff at regular intervals throughout the year.

Courts is marking its 45th anniversary in Singapore. Courts Charity Home kicked off a one-year partnership with local charity Care Community Services Society (CCSS) by bringing Chinese New Year cheer to the underprivileged in Singapore.

The partnership will connect Courts staff volunteers with low-income elderly and children - beneficiaries of CCSS - during key festive celebrations.

When asked about the decision to select this group of beneficiaries, Ben Tan, Country CEO of Courts Singapore, said: "Over our 45-year history, Courts has partnered with several local non-profit organisations and charities for our giving initiatives.

"In our inaugural year for Courts Charity Home, we've chosen to partner with Care Community Services Society (CCSS) as they serve the needy from all walks of life - disadvantaged children, vulnerable seniors, at-risk youth and ex-offenders and their families.

"CCSS conducts regular and direct support to their beneficiaries, being situated in the heartlands, and this helps us feel assured that we offer support to meet real and direct needs.

"It's natural that we lend a helping hand where we can make the most impact, by donating needed furniture and appliances. While we have been donating to the underprivileged for decades, we are formalising the initiative with the launch of our Courts Charity Home programme."

Mr Tan added that he hoped to grow this effort as a mainstay that will make a difference in meeting real needs while involving Courts ' staff in companywide efforts to do good.

Ahead of Chinese New Year, 22 selected elderly and low-income individuals, beneficiaries of CCSS who live alone in rental housing in the MacPherson area, were asked what items they needed for their homes and Courts matched their wish list by donating furnishings and electrical appliances.

One of the beneficiaries, Ng Ah Ngow, 77, said: "I requested for a 24-inch TV to replace my old set, and an energy-efficient refrigerator as my old one is over 20 years old and is no longer working well . . . Their staff also visited to do spring cleaning . . . I am happy to meet them and exchange well wishes for the new year."

Dewin Lee, executive director of CCSS, said: "The launch of Courts Charity Home programme is very timely. Festive periods can be a lonely time for many elderly beneficiaries who live alone in rental housing estates. It brings much joy and company for these seniors to receive visitors into their homes. The provision of home appliances and furniture for our seniors is a practical gesture that will indeed be of great use to them."

After half a day of deliveries and spring cleaning, Courts hosted all elderly beneficiaries to a Chinese New Year buffet dinner at CCSS' Senior Activity Centre in Circuit Road.

Courts volunteer Fatima Rala said: "I'm happy to be part of the pioneer Courts Charity Home batch of volunteers. Bringing home goods and spending time with the elderly was a great way to give back in time for Chinese New Year. Many of the elderly live alone and appreciate the company, so it was a joy to give back in what little way we can."