Corporate partnerships are vital source of support to help SingHealth and its institutions realise our vision of defining tomorrow’s Medicine. For our partner organisations, giving towards healthcare causes is a meaningful way to engage their employees and a priceless opportunity for staff to bond in support of a greater purpose.
Last year, with the COVID-19 pandemic shining a spotlight on the tireless and selfless efforts of healthcare workers in caring for patients and accelerating research into lifesaving therapeutics, many in our community stepped forward to lend their support. Among them were 200 staff from shipping and logistics company CMA CGM Group’s Asia Pacific Regional Office in Singapore, who formed groups of five to walk, run or cycle over 3,200km across Singapore in a bid to raise funds in support of SingHealth’s efforts in the COVID-19 battle.
“2020 was an extraordinary year with economies and people tremendously affected by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic” said Mr Stephane Courquin, CEO of CMA CGM Asia Pacific. “So as a company, we wanted to do our part by standing in solidarity with Singapore in her fight against the pandemic to regain some normalcy in our lives.”
The initiative was a first for the company and the organising team had initially planned a virtual run with a conservative fundraising goal of $2,500. Later, encouraged by the enthusiasm of their colleagues, they decided to double their fundraising goal and hold a physical event in conjunction with International Volunteer Day on 5 December 2020.
“We initially had practical concerns about staff taking part in the event as we were still in phase 2 of Singapore’s re-opening” shared Mr Courquin. “However, while observing set guidelines, our staff demonstrated enthusiasm, generosity and unity to play their part in helping to mitigate the impact of COVID-19.”
Their initiative eventually garnered the overwhelming support of their colleagues who collectively gave almost $9,000 via their campaign page on crowdfunding platform Giving.sg, with the company contributing a further $5,000. This brought the total funds raised to almost $14,000. The funds raised will go towards supporting SingHealth’s efforts in accelerating medical research and building resilience among staff serving at the frontlines.
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Gifts from individuals and organisations such as CMA CGM and their staff make a meaningful difference in the work we do and the lives of patients we serve. If you or your organization would like to set up your own fundraising initiative in support of SingHealth’s causes, write to us at giving@singhealth.com.sg.
