Corporate Philanthropy without Boundaries – Two Companies Continue Their Giving Despite the Economic Downturn

In a climate where recession blues and poor economic climate dominate news headlines, two companies have beaten the odds by proving that corporations can still give during these trying times and be the beacon of hope for many needy children and their communities in this region.

Global pharmaceutical corporation, Johnson & Johnson Asia, has contributed US$100,000 (S$149,760) to sponsor children on a 5-year Child Sponsorship programme with World Vision Singapore. The funding will go towards sponsoring 83 children from China, India, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam and the Philippines.

This partnership is a continuation from a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme that started two years ago, when Johnson & Johnson Asia partnered with World Vision Singapore to help children continue their education. Seven students between secondary one and three were awarded scholarships to help them further their studies. Johnson & Johnson Asia is also committed to building conducive environments for children to lead healthier and better lives, and has launched various area development project activities in the communities where World Vision’s sponsored children are living.

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Another notable corporation, CapitaLand Hope Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Asian property giant, CapitaLand, has likewise, funded World Vision Singapore with another S$100,000 to continue its sponsorship of 185 needy children and their communities from Thailand and Vietnam.

The foundation, one of the first foundations created by a Singapore real estate company, is CapitaLand's CSR commitment to fulfill CapitaLand's credo of "Building People" - to build not only offices, homes and malls, but also a better future for underprivileged children.

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CapitaLand employees went a step further in 2008 on an overseas community work trip with World Vision Singapore to build a dormitory for over 190 children in the mountainous areas of Bo Kleau, Thailand. With no bus services and frequent rainy weather, students in the Baan Sawa School often have to contend with the climate and tread two hours daily on the five-kilometre route. With the new dormitory, students need not have to miss school and are able to participate in school activities without having to worry about transportation woes. To read more about the community work trip, click here.

To read more stories of how CapitaLand Hope Foundation’s sponsorship has helped better the lives of children in Bo Kluea, Thailand, click here.

If you would like more information about how your company can partner with World Vision Singapore, please contact us at corporate@worldvision.org.sg or (65) 6511 7699.