StarHub has announced a series of ground-up initiatives that will extend care through financial contribution and community involvement to help cushion the impact of the outbreak of COVID-19.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the company said that the initiatives chosen were collectively voted by employees as causes closest to their hearts. The initiatives are as follows:
- Contributing SGD 300,000 to The Courage Fund
- Assembling 2,000 welfare care packs for lower-income beneficiaries and helping to defray one month of housing rental costs for 2,000 lower-income seniors
- Answering the call for more blood donors
Funding for these activities will come from the newly created StarHub Cares COVID-19 Fund, said the company. The Fund, currently stands at over SGD 650,000 and comprises contributions from across the company. As per the statement, the StarHub Board of Directors have contributed up to 10% of 2019 director fees, the StarHub Senior Leadership Team has contributed up to one month of salary, and there have also been voluntary contributions from StarHub employees. StarHub is also matching all contributions dollar-for-dollar.
“Our hearts are with all who are affected by COVID-19. This is a trying period, and we want to give back to the community and our home. We are heartened to be able to work alongside our longstanding partners, Community Chest and Care Corner Singapore, to show our care and support for the more vulnerable groups,” said Veronica Lai, Chief Corporate Officer, StarHub. “These support initiatives resonate dearly with the whole of StarHub. It is truly heart-warming to see the groundswell of support, to put in not just money, but also all-hands effort.”
Additionally, StarHub is donating SGD 300,000 to The Courage Fund through Community Chest to provide relief to healthcare workers as well as patients and members of the community affected by COVID-19.
“We are heartened by the support we are receiving from different parts of the community, including companies and individuals. All contributions will go a long way in supporting vulnerable individuals and families,” said Charmaine Leung, Managing Director, Community Chest.
StarHub employees, in partnership with Care Corner Singapore, will also be assembling welfare care packs comprising immunity boosters and staple food for 2,000 lower-income beneficiaries in the coming weeks. In addition, StarHub has pledged to help offset one month of housing rental costs for 2,000 seniors supported by Care Corner.
“No one is spared from the effects of COVID-19, more so for the lower-income beneficiaries we serve who require continual support for their daily needs amid increased uncertainties. StarHub has been a close partner of Care Corner Singapore for many years, and our deep heartfelt gratitude and thanks to its management and staff for supporting our service users during this crucial period,” said Yap Poh Kheng, Chief Executive Officer, Care Corner Singapore.
Another area impacted by the COVID-19 situation is the reduction in blood donor participation rates. In response, over 100 StarHub employees have answered the Singapore Red Cross and Health Sciences Authority’s call to donate blood over the next few weeks.