Standing up for Corporate Citizenship

On Saturday, volunteers from 22 corporations, organisations and groups were involved in befriending beneficiaries from 22 Voluntary Welfare Organisations (VWOs) over a concert and carnival at Gardens by the Bay. Some 2,000 people were present at the event, including members of the public.

Dr Lily Neo, Member of Parliament, Tanjong Pagar GRC was the Guest-of-Honour.

This year, in celebrating Singapore’s 50th year of independence, YMCA Proms @ the Park took on a celebratory theme to recognise extraordinary individuals - the beneficiaries for their courage in embracing the fullness of life despite the challenges they face, and the volunteers for their exemplary spirit of selfless giving.

The event featured performances by various external groups and YMCA groups including the Anglo-Chinese School (Barker Road) Chinese Orchestra, Reaching Excellence through Circus Arts (RECA) from Grace Orchard School, the  YMCA Special Talents, Arts and Recreational Society (Y STARS), kids from YMCA Child Development Centre @ Bukit Batok and YMCA Korean Mums. There was also a carnival and activity area with some 18 stations manned by lively youth volunteers from University-YMCA Singapore (Uni-Y).

Organised by YMCA of Singapore, the annual YMCA Proms @ the Park seeks to promote corporate social responsibility by matching organisations with VWOs, with the aim of bringing cheer to the beneficiaries through an afternoon of music and games in a carnival-like setting. Prior to the festivities at the carnival grounds, the corporate volunteers visited the respective VWOs which their organisations are matched with to gain a better understanding of the needs and challenges faced by the beneficiaries.

Since its introduction in 2007, 110 organisations have stood up for corporate citizenship by participating in the annual YMCA Proms @ the Park. Collectively, they mobilised over 2,300 staff to befriend and bring cheer to 3,600 beneficiaries from more than 190 VWOs through the event. Many of these organisations have continued to mobilise their financial and manpower resources to touch lives and lift spirits among the beneficiaries on a regular basis through other community service programmes organised by YMCA of Singapore.