The Bank raises more than S$1.7 million this year for the UOB #UnitedForYou COVID-19 Relief Programme
The COVID-19 pandemic has not put a dampener to UOB’s flagship employee volunteerism and fundraising event, UOB Heartbeat Run/Walk. From London to Los Angeles, Shanghai to Singapore, UOB colleagues from across the Bank’s global network1 stepped up to raise funds for charities as part of the first UOB Global Heartbeat Virtual Run/Walk.
By going virtual, UOB colleagues and their families from around the world were able to keep fit and to keep the good going in a safe way amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether it was a hike to The Victoria Peak in Hong Kong, an urban run by Jakarta’s Bundaran HI (Selamat Datang Monument) or a leisurely stroll by Marina Bay in Singapore, UOB colleagues and their families were united in spirit as they collectively walked, jogged or ran a total distance of more than 200,000 kilometres throughout the month of October. Their combined distance was the equivalent of travelling the circumference of the earth five times.
Their collective efforts also saw the Bank donate an additional S$75,000 to 17 charities and welfare organisations2 as part of the Bank’s #UnitedForYou COVID-19 Relief Programme. The global programme had already directed more than S$1.65 million to help frontline healthcare workers and vulnerable members of the community overcome the challenges of COVID-19.
Mr Wee Ee Cheong, UOB’s Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said, “This year has been a difficult and challenging one for many people, particularly our frontline healthcare workers and those from disadvantaged backgrounds. While we were unable to continue our annual tradition of coming together for the physical UOB Heartbeat Run/Walk, our commitment to fostering social inclusiveness and to forging a sustainable future remains. I am heartened by the unwavering support from UOB colleagues and their families to keep the good going even in these trying times.”
Mr Chew Chee Keong, 55, a UOB colleague from Singapore, was the top contributor to this year’s event, running close to 800 kilometres in October. “The COVID-19 pandemic has upended our lives in some shape or form. However, it is also in these times that we see the strength of the human spirit shine through as we step up and give back to those in need. I am thankful that the Bank continues to organise such events for us to unite in our efforts to support the community.”
The UOB Heartbeat Run/Walk, which is in its 14th year, is the Bank’s flagship volunteerism and fundraising event. The monies raised this year were directed to UOB’s #UnitedForYou COVID-19 Relief Programme. The programme focuses on ways to help alleviate the financial burden or distress many are facing during this difficult period through various initiatives. These include relief assistance schemes to help customers who are impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak as well as initiatives to see the Bank’s people and communities through to better times.
1 UOB’s global markets which participated in the UOB Global Heartbeat Virtual Run/Walk included Australia, Brunei, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Mainland China, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, the United Kingdom, the United States of America and Vietnam
2 Refer to Appendix for details of charities and welfare organisations
