Against
the sleepy atmosphere of Marine Terrace on the lazy Saturday morning
of 25 September 2004, an energetic brood of people were busy traipsing
through the HDB blocks with large bags. Brimming with enthusiasm
and excitement, these people had a mission to fulfil – the
delivery of bags bursting with goodness. As part of Oracle’s
Global Volunteer Days, the employees of Oracle Singapore were
doing their part for charity by delivering food and appliances
to families who are part of Food from the Heart’s Marine
Parade self-collection scheme.
| |
|
|
| |
Oracle
staff getting ready for the distribution |
|
Clad in smart white T-shirts,
the staff of Oracle Singapore looked energised by the break from
their office routine. Arms that were more accustomed to tapping
computer keyboards were hard at work lifting hefty bags containing
condensed milk, Milo, rice and other foodstuffs. Remarkably, all
the money raised to purchase the goodie bag items were personal
donations of Oracle employees.
Oracle then lent its support
and infrastructure to its employees’ charitable effort.
Mr Ong Teck Ghim, Director of Oracle Support Services explained:
“I sent an email to our staff explaining the cause and shortly
after, we passed the hat around and in two weeks, we raised $8500.”
Not only was the amount raised sufficient to buy food items for
96 households, there was also money left over to fulfil the wishes
of residents who needed items like fans, electric kettles and
rice-cookers. 63 Oracle staff turned up, with 42 family and friends
coming along to help out, aided by 40 FFTH volunteers. Interestingly,
some Oracle staff were already FFTH volunteers in their spare
time.
Said Managing Director Mr
Stanley Chew, “Oracle Singapore staff have been generous
in their contribution and participation…This event has helped
us move out of our comfort zones to be able to share with others.
Today’s event would not have been possible without our partners
– volunteers from Food from the Heart.” Also gracing
the event were Minister of State (PMO) Mr Othman Haron Eusofe
and US Ambassador to Singapore HE Frank Lavin. Mr Chew, Mr Othman
and Mr Lavin then presented goodie bags to some Marine Terrace
residents who were literally overwhelmed by the generosity of
the Oracle staff – the bags were too heavy for some older
residents to carry!
| |
|
|
| |
A
happy resident enjoying a moment with Christine |
|
Mr Lavin clearly appreciated
the significance of the event, “Activities like these remind
me of the similarities between Singapore and the US. Both societies
are prosperous but that doesn’t mean everyone shares in
the prosperity. If not for organisations like Oracle and Food
from the Heart, these people’s lives would be very hard
indeed. Oracle is focusing beyond the bottom line by being a citizen
of society – a good corporate citizen.”
Indeed Oracle Singapore was
established in 1988 and has been actively engaged in various charity
initiatives over the years, explains Manager of Corporate Communications
Mr Lim Ee Guan. This was the fifth anniversary of Oracle’s
Global Volunteer Days, an annual event where Oracle staff are
encouraged to contribute to the community. The efforts of Oracle
and its employees are truly commendable and have set a fine example
for other corporations in Singapore and around the world. Through
such actions, the less advantaged members of society need never
go without. Kudoes to Oracle for blazing the trail!
|
