Singapore, 14 March 2007 - StarHub held a charity carnival for 150 children and donated $150,000 from the StarHub Sparks Fund to Gracehaven today. Gracehaven is part of The Salvation Army, Singapore. The StarHub-Gracehaven partnership is part of the ComCare Connection, the latest community-giving initiative by the National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre (NVPC). The Connection creates a dynamic working platform for the public, people and private sectors to specifically benefit the bottom 20% of national average income groups and disadvantaged people. As part of the StarHub Corporate Volunteerism Programme where every employee is given two days of paid leave every year to do voluntary work, 100 StarHub employees and their families volunteered at the Gracehaven's carnival as games marshals, snacks sellers and face painters, to bring joy and laughter to the Gracehaven children. "By participating in the volunteerism programmes, StarHub employees from various departments get the chance to come together, develop better relationships and stronger bonds, and at the same time inculcate philanthropic values and care for the community right from the heart," said Mr Philip Tan, Head, Consumer Sales and Customer Experience, StarHub. StarHub's donation will help Gracehaven to set up a kitchen for the children and young people to bake cookies for sale, so that Gracehaven can raise more funds and at the same time, promote social enterprise for an inclusive society. Traditionally, Gracehaven has been dependent on subsidies and public donations for its operations. They are increasingly aware of the role earned income can play in diversifying revenue sources and improving sustainability. "It is heartwarming to know that StarHub is cultivating the spirit of volunteerism among its employees through sustainable community outreach programmes for children and youths, to have access to quality learning and development opportunities. We are grateful to their acts of altruism for outstanding causes," said Colonel David Bringans, Territorial Commander for Singapore, Malaysia and Myanmar, The Salvation Army. Gracehaven is a residential home that cares for 150 children and teenagers. It provides a safe, caring and conducive environment to help the young people discover their potential and talents, get back on the right track and eventually return to their familes. Children and young people attend counselling sessions, participate in sports and outdoor activities, experience music, drama and art programmes and receive tuition for their academic studies. Gracehaven believes in giving these young people another chance in their lives. StarHub has donated more than $3 million dollars from its StarHub Sparks Fund, to help more than 60 voluntary welfare organisations (VWOs), since it was established in 2000. |
