What better way to celebrate a birthday than spreading joy.
With her birthday approaching in July this year, Yvonne Then, Chief Communications Officer, National Heart Centre Singapore (NHCS) wondered what might be a meaningful way to celebrate this special occasion.
With gatherings and meal options curtailed due to the COVID-19 situation, Yvonne decided that she would use this occasion to help others who may have been affected by the pandemic. This led to her casually suggesting to her colleagues to celebrate her birthday with a donation towards the NHCS Heart To Heart Fund.
“It took me a little courage to suggest that, as I have to assume that my colleagues are planning to celebrate my birthday! It is more blessed to give than to receive, what’s more to do this on my birthday,” shared Yvonne.
Her colleagues from the Corporate Development department donated a sum of $288 towards the Heart To Heart Fund as a special gift to Yvonne. With the Heart To Heart Fund celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, the team is looking to encourage other colleagues to celebrate a birthday or a life milestone in a similar way.
“When Yvonne shared that she wanted to do this for her birthday, we thought that it was an excellent idea! With all the upheaval in the world today, it is hard to imagine what patients who grapple with both health and financial issues at the same time have to go through,” shared Geraldine Lee, Manager, Corporate Development, NHCS. “By doing this, I hope that we can bring some joy into their lives and ease their burden so that they can focus on getting well.”
Launched in 2010, the Heart To Heart Fund aims to support financially needy patients, patients who require novel treatment when they are unable to undergo conventional therapy, cardiovascular research, and the education and training of cardiac healthcare professionals.