Singapore, 6 November 2021 - The Singapore Red Cross (SRC) is honouring over 100 persons and organisations for their steadfast contributions in humanitarian service at the eighth SRC Awards Ceremony. The first of three ceremonies, held today at YWCA Fort Canning, was graced by Guest-of-Honour and Patron of SRC, President Halimah Yacob.
The prestigious Awards recognise and honour the contributions of volunteers and partners who have given selflessly of their time, each contributing expertise and resources in their own ways to further SRC’s mission; and whose support over the past two years gave help and hope to communities-in-need.
Addressing the awardees at the ceremony, President Halimah Yacob said, “The COVID-19 pandemic has tested our mettle, but it has also brought out the best in us. It has highlighted our people’s adaptability, resilience, kindness and generosity.
“In times of crisis, we need to draw strength from one another. For more than 70 years, the Singapore Red Cross has mobilised the power of humanity and catalysed volunteerism, philanthropy and partnerships to enhance resilience in communities at home and abroad. I am heartened to see individuals and organisations contribute readily and generously towards this cause.”
Mdm President added, “I applaud the Singapore Red Cross team for pressing on, despite the challenges brought on by the pandemic.”
In her speech, Guest-of-Honour and Patron of SRC, President Halimah Yacob acknowledged the role that individuals and organisations played in catalysing volunteerism, philanthropy, and partnerships to enhance resilience in communities at home and abroad. (MCI photo by Betty Chua)
At the awards ceremony, Mdm President presented awards to 23 individuals and corporate groups who were actively involved in SRC’s humanitarian work at home and abroad. Amongst the award recipients are the Singapore Totalisator Board and Rolex Singapore, which received the Humanitarian Award - the highest honour in this year’s ceremony, as well as Barclays Singapore, Fairprice Foundation, The Portcullis Group and SMRT Corporation (Distinguished Friend of Singapore Red Cross). These organisations have made impactful grants and gifts to the Singapore Red Cross over the years, and continue to forge enduring partnerships.
Recipients of the Distinguished Friend of Singapore Red Cross Award onstage with President Halimah Yacob. (From left to right: Mr David Chong, Group President, Portcullis (Singapore) Pte Ltd; Mr Seah Kian Peng, Group CEO, FairPrice Group; President Halimah Yacob; Mr Tan Kai Hoe, Chairman, Singapore Red Cross; Mr Neo Kian Hong, Group CEO, SMRT Corporation.)
Recipients of the Friend of Singapore Red Cross Award 2020/2021.
Mdm President also presented the SRC President’s Red Cross Youth Award to six youth leaders, aged 15 to 35. (See List of Recipients)
Recipients of the SRC President’s Red Cross Youth Award onstage.
In a special tribute to the numerous stakeholders who have made invaluable contributions to SRC’s COVID-19 response, a special award category - the United for Humanity Awards - was introduced this year. The 44 corporate and individual awardees will be honoured in a separate ceremony, to be held on 23 November, alongside recipients of the High Commendation Award and Commendation Award, that recognises the efforts of the ‘everyday heroes’ in our midst. Amongst them is High Commendation Award recipient and long-time SRC community volunteer Mr Abdul Jamal bin Abdul Hameed, who serves as a volunteer first aid instructor with the SRC Academy, and a mentor to new instructors. A regular blood donor, Jamal also supports SRC’s Blood Donor Programme in volunteer management, helps on both the local emergency response and overseas disaster mission teams, and is an avid volunteer with ElderAid, often driving seniors to their social outings.
Mr Tan Kai Hoe, Chairman of Singapore Red Cross, remarked, “Behind our extensive ongoing efforts are countless stories of courage and strength, of perseverance and sacrifice, and of love and shared hope for a better tomorrow. I am humbled to have witnessed the spirit of solidarity and the outpouring of support from our partners, donors and advocates. I am grateful for the dedication of our passionate employees and volunteers - from all walks of life, from the very young, to seniors who continue to give back to society. The impact of your actions is far greater and more lasting than you can imagine.”
Singapore Red Cross Chairman Mr Tan Kai Hoe expressed his gratitude for the outpouring of support from partners, donors, and advocates while acknowledging the dedication of passionate employees who stepped up to the plate to uplift the lives of the vulnerable while enhancing resilience in our midst.
In conjunction with the Awards Ceremony, FairPrice Foundation, represented by FairPrice Group CEO Mr Seah Kian Peng, presented a cheque of $1.2 million, to SRC Chairman Mr Tan. The contribution, to be made over three years, would be channeled to the 'Singapore Red Cross-FairPrice Meals with Love' programme and is expected to empower an estimated 2,250 individuals from 450 low-income families with their choice of fresh, nutritious foods, over a six-monthly cycle for each family.
FairPrice Group CEO Mr Seah Kian Peng presents a cheque to SRC Chairman Mr Tan Kai Hoe.
Mr Seah said, “FairPrice Group embraces the spirit of corporate philanthropy and doing good to empower the less fortunate in our community. Through the ‘Singapore Red Cross-FairPrice Meals with Love’ programme, we seek to provide beneficiaries with access to healthy balanced meals as we nourish generations and make life better for all.”
Speech by President Halimah Yacob
Speech by SRC Chairman Mr Tan Kai Hoe
United for Humanity Awards - Photos of Ceremony on 23 Nov (AM)
High/ Commendation Awards - Photos of Ceremony on 23 Nov (PM)