Singapore – More than 150 FedEx employees have volunteered to help build new homes for Indonesians living in Batam, between June and October this year.
The volunteers from the express transportation company’s Singapore operation will be building eight new homes for Batam residents as part of the Habitat for Humanity Singapore Batam Build programme. Other than providing manpower, FedEx has also donated $40,670 to support the programme. The grant will cover the construction and participation costs.
Ramesh K. Singam, managing director of FedEx Express Singapore and Indonesia, believes this programme is a good example of the company’s commitment to the society. He said, “This initiative demonstrates our commitment to the communities in which FedEx operates through corporate philanthropy and employee volunteerism.”
“Batam Build has been an extremely rewarding experience for our staff as they get to witness tangible results for Indonesians who need help,” Singam added.
Habitat for Humanity Singapore’s programme takes volunteers on a series of short trips to Batam and is designed to provide an educational experience within a cross-cultural environment. FedEx Singapore invited the NGO to introduce their organisation to the staff to encourage employees to volunteer for the project. Singam said memos from management and word-of-mouth from employees who have volunteered before helped drive the recruitment.
“Employees then form their own teams and appoint their own team leaders to facilitate the visits,” said Singam. “This allows the employees to take ownership of the project and foster greater sense of team spirit.”
