Over $500,000 raised for persons with disabilities and their caregivers
Singapore, 28 August 2020 – Thanks to the public’s generosity, a total of $577,000 has been raised through C.A.R.E. – an initiative to provide Cooked meals, Assistance funds, Respite care, and Essentials distribution to persons with disabilities and their caregivers affected by COVID-19. The funds will provide much-needed relief to some 2,000 households that require urgent and direct support.
The 2,000 beneficiaries of C.A.R.E. were identified by SG Enable and its social service agency partners to require enhanced support. While COVID-19 has affected many individuals and sectors, the impact on persons with disabilities and their caregivers is disproportionately huge. During this period, those who are seeking employment or working are badly affected, with some already losing their jobs. Many were not able to access rehabilitation and care services when centre-based services were suspended, while others faced greater difficulty getting food and necessities due to mobility challenges.
Mr Overee Vivian James, a beneficiary of C.A.R.E., said, “The support that my family and I received from the Mediacorp Enable Fund helped us during the time when we had to stay home because of COVID-19. As I was not employed, the dry food rations and one-time special financial assistance certainly helped me save on our living expenses. I would like to thank everyone who has donated kindly. The Fund has helped me during that challenging phase.”
The $577,000 collected exceeded the campaign target of $500,000, and came largely from an online fundraising drive from May to July 2020 spearheaded by the Mediacorp Enable Fund, a community fund administered by SG Enable.
Ms Ku Geok Boon, CEO of SG Enable, said, “SG Enable's vision is to have an inclusive society and persons with disabilities leading enabled lives. We are heartened that corporates and the public have joined us to deliver C.A.R.E. to persons with disabilities in need and their families amid these trying times. We are also thankful for Mediacorp’s steadfast commitment in rallying public support for the disability community.”
Ms Tham Loke Kheng, CEO of Mediacorp, said, “We are grateful for the public’s strong support and generosity. The community spirit of caring for the more vulnerable amongst us is what will get us through these tough times. Mediacorp is proud to have been a part of this meaningful initiative and we look forward to continue working with our partners at SG Enable to uplift the lives of the most needy and vulnerable amongst us.”
Members of the public can continue to support persons with disabilities by donating to the Mediacorp Enable Fund. More details can be found at mediacorp.sg/mediacorp-enable-fund
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Media contact
Mark Tan
Communications Specialist
Mediacorp
mark.tan@mediacorp.com.sg
About Mediacorp
Mediacorp is Singapore’s largest content creator and national media network, operating six TV channels, 11 radio stations and multiple digital platforms including CNA, Singapore's most used news app, and meWATCH, its digital video platform. Its mission is to engage, entertain and enrich audiences by harnessing the power of creativity.
Mediacorp pioneered the development of Singapore’s broadcasting industry, with radio broadcast in 1936 and television broadcast in 1963. Today, it reaches 98% of Singaporeans in four languages weekly and has a growing Asian audience base through CNA as well as entertainment content that is distributed across markets in the region.
The Mediacorp Partner Network brings Mediacorp together with industry-leading brands like ESPN, Edipresse Media, 99.co and VICE to deliver rich content for consumers and effective solutions for advertisers.
Mediacorp is the recipient of industry accolades including New York Festivals, World Media Festivals, PromaxBDA (World and Asia) and Asian Academy Creative Awards.
For more information, please visit mediacorp.sg.
