16 October 2020
Hope Initiative Alliance (HIA) is humbled and honoured to have received two nominations for the President’s Volunteerism and Philanthropy Awards (PVPA) — one each in the Organisation of Good and Leader of Good categories for HIA’s contributions to society amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Organised annually by the National Volunteer and Philanthropy Centre (NVPC), the PVPA is the pinnacle award and platform to recognise individuals and groups that have achieved excellence in giving.
On 16 October 2020, HIA won the Organisation of Good Award, which its President Rev Ezekiel Tan received on behalf of HIA. Rev Samuel Gift Stephen, Lead Director of the Alliance of Guest Workers Outreach, received a special commendation in the Leader of Good category.
In the face of the greatest challenge of our generation, HIA is privileged to serve with fellow Singaporeans to provide care and assistance for the vulnerable and marginalised communities. Since the commencement of the circuit breaker in April till July, we worked with the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and Migrant Workers’ Centre to distribute 1,027,505 Care Meals and more than 1.2 million essential items (hygiene packs, medical supplies and other food items) to over 21,000 guest workers living in 300 dormitories. Supporting the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF), we have also rendered our assistance to a few hundred homeless individuals who were most affected by the pandemic through the Safe Sound Sleeping Places (S3P) initiative and the Innkeeper’s Project.
In his thank you speech, Rev Ezekiel Tan, President of HIA thanked Madam President Halimah Yacob and NVPC for this kind affirmation, that our collective efforts have made an impact. He also took the opportunity to thank our partners, donors and volunteers for their invaluable contribution to the various causes we champion. HIA is also appreciative of unsung heroes, whose names are not mentioned but have played a critical role in our endeavour to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable communities. Noting that these uncertain times have made the needs of the underprivileged in society even more pronounced, Rev Tan said, “Providing care to the needy is a privilege and has also transformed our own lives. May I invite more to join us in doing good, to shine the light of hope in this gloomy season”.
Looking ahead, we are inspired to do more. HIA will continue to give our best as an aggregator of assistance and services for the needy, reaching out especially to the guest worker and homeless communities through our partnership with agencies such as the MOM, MSF and NVPC in Project Sunshine and the Ending Homelessness Together Coalition (EHTC). Project Sunshine aims to improve the holistic wellbeing of guest workers through a series of organised outdoor activities that provide guest workers with an avenue for recreation and leisure. The homeless community will also remain a key beneficiary of our efforts through EHTC as we partner MSF, SowCare and New Hope Community Services in their respective programmes that provide temporary shelter for the rough sleepers.
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Watch this video to hear from the HIA President as he accepts the Award on behalf of HIA.