StarHub Cares: Rallying as One to Cushion COVID-19 Community Impact
Singapore, 17 March 2020 – COVID-19 knows no borders nor social boundaries, and as a homegrown company, StarHub is rallying as one to help cushion the impact on vulnerable groups by extending care through financial contribution and community involvement.
StarHub is organising three ground-up initiatives, which were collectively voted by employees as causes closest to their hearts – (1) Contributing $300,000 to The Courage Fund, (2) 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, and (3) Answering the call for more blood donors.
Funding for the abovementioned activities comes from the newly created StarHub Cares COVID-19 Fund. The Fund, currently standing at over $650,000, comprises contributions from across the company – with StarHub Board of Directors contributing up to 10% of 2019 director fees, the StarHub Senior Leadership Team contributing up to one month of salary, and voluntary contribution from StarHub employees. StarHub is 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 Ms 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."
StarHub stands with Singapore's frontliner defenders. To provide relief to healthcare workers as well as patients and members of the community affected by COVID-19, StarHub is donating $300,000 to The Courage Fund through Community Chest.
"We would like to express our sincere appreciation to StarHub for uniting the community to care for those affected by the COVID-19 situation. 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 Ms Charmaine Leung, Managing Director, Community Chest.
Aside from the donation, StarHub in partnership with Care Corner Singapore is helping its service users tide over this challenging period. StarHub employees will 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 Mr 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.
StarHub continues to monitor the COVID-19 developments closely and will identify other community causes to support with its Fund.