Manulife partners with Community Chest on its 125th anniversary

Manulife Financial treated 125 underprivileged children to a day out at the Singapore Zoo.

According to a release, in honour of Manulife Financial's 125th anniversary, on 16 June, Manulife Singapore partnered with the Community Chest and treated 125 underprivileged children from the Whispering Hearts Family Service Centre (WHFSC) & PPIS Family Service Centre to a day out at the Singapore Zoo.

The children aged 7-12 were chaperoned by Manulife Singapore senior management, staff and the children’s parents. Upon arrival, the children enjoyed a tram ride around the zoo and received Manulife goodie bags that were filled with 125-years Manulife branded souvenirs. The children were also entertained with a comedy skit and magic show that brought much joy and laughter to them as they interacted with the performers. After breakfast, Manulife volunteers accompanied the children for a free and easy tour around the zoo.

"As our global company celebrates 125 years of providing clients strong, reliable, trustworthy and forward-thinking financial solutions, we wanted to mark this occasion by doing something meaningful for the community,” said Ms Annette King, President and CEO of Manulife Singapore.

Manulife Financial was established in Canada in June 1887 and has grown into one of the largest financial institutions with a global network spanning Asia, Canada and the United States. In Asia, the company has been here for 115 years showing its real long term commitment to clients in the region.

“During the June school holidays every child should have the opportunity to visit the zoo and brighten their holidays. It is very gratifying to see Manulife staff volunteering their time during the weekend just so that they can put a smile across the faces of these 125 underprivileged children. This is Manulife’s small contribution and I hope the kids enjoyed it as much as we did," continued Ms King.

Ms Tan Bee Heong, Director of Community Chest said: “We are grateful to Manulife Singapore for sponsoring 125 underprivileged children from Whispering Hearts Family Service Centre and PPIS Family Service Centre to a fun day out at the zoo. The children have expressed much delight and the excursion has brought some cheer to them during the school holidays. We look forward to our continued partnership with Manulife to better the lives of the less fortunate. We wish Manulife a Happy 125th Birthday!”

WHFSC started its operations in August 2001 and provides integrated remedial, preventive and developmental services to help families cope with their responsibilities and challenges. Its core services are extended largely to the residents of Pioneer, Nanyang and Hong Kah Constituencies in Jurong West.

PPIS Family Service Centre was set up to develop and maintain the well being of families by providing them with various self-help, educational and guidance programs. It also provides casework & counseling services for families who face marital issues, family violence, and child management including referrals for financial assistance.