Park Hotel Group Establishes Uplift Fund with YMCA of Singapore to Support the Singapore Community

First fund in Singapore which prioritises affected workforce in Hospitality and F&B sectors; Park Hotel Group to match every dollar donated by its team members

Park Hotel Group (“PHG”), a leading hospitality company in Asia Pacific, and YMCA of Singapore today launch Uplift Fund, the first of such relief fund in Singapore that dedicates 20% of proceeds to individuals in the Hospitality and F&B sectors who are financially affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The fund aims to raise a total of S$3 million to benefit up to 3,600 individuals and households in need.

The COVID-19 crisis has devastated many lives and businesses and in the forefront of that has been the Hospitality and F&B sectors. Some of these people also come from especially vulnerable groups, such as being main breadwinners of extended family, or those with family members with special needs. These individuals face increased struggles to afford daily necessities and meals.

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Allen Law, Chief Executive Officer of Park Hotel Group.

“We have always believed in our privileged responsibility to positively impact our community while operating a profitable business. We have seen the willingness of the hospitality industry to stand alongside health workers and front liners in tackling this crisis. The resilience shown is awe-inspiring and we want to help. We are not out of the woods yet and my hope is that our gift can help alleviate some of the pressures faced by our industry as we get through this together,” shared Allen Law, Chief Executive Officer of Park Hotel Group.

The Group will also match dollar for dollar donations by their team members. “We aspire to create a movement of hope and kindness among our team members and our communities, and hopefully that will encourage more people to step forward,” he added.

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Steve Loh, General Secretary & CEO of YMCA of Singapore.

“It is our privilege to administer the Uplift Fund alongside Park Hotel Group. During these difficult times, acts of kindness and compassion are more important than ever before. It has been incredibly encouraging to see corporations, organisations and individuals alike extending their helping hands. We would like to thank Apricot Capital and RB Capital for the donation and hope to inspire others to give and reach out to those around us who may be in need of some support,” said Steve Loh, General Secretary & CEO, YMCA of Singapore.

Successful applicants of the Uplift Fund who fulfilled all eligibility criteria will receive a one-time relief sum between S$500 and S$1,000, and a possible one-time renewal of S$500 after three months when applicants demonstrate that they underwent at least one relevant training during this period.

“Beyond just giving, we want to create a virtuous cycle to sustainably help the recipients in the long-run. By encouraging them to retrain and upskill during their downtime, they will be more prepared when the next job opportunity is available for them,” Steve added.

Keeping to its mission of serving the community, YMCA of Singapore seeks to support these individuals who have lost their jobs or faced a personal income loss of at least 30% due to the COVID-19 crisis. Together with Park Hotel Group, the Uplift Fund is set up as an emergency relief fund established under the YMCA Financial Assistance and Capability Employment Scheme (FACES).

“The YMCA of Singapore has always been committed to serving people in need. The YMCA Financial Assistance and Capability for Employment Scheme (FACES) seeks to support them financially, so they may strategically gather their resources and regain their footing during difficult times. We are greatly appreciative of organisations like the Park Hotel Group, who have empowered us to reach out even further with this Uplift Fund. We hope this will support as many Singaporeans as we can during this unprecedented pandemic,” said Steven Chia, Board Director and Chairperson of YMCA FACES Committee.

The Uplift Fund:
SUPPORTING INDIVIDUALS FINANCIALLY AFFECTED BY COVID-19
The Uplift Fund provides financial assistance to individuals whose livelihoods are affected by
COVID-19. It is a YMCA emergency relief fund kick-started by a S$500,000 philanthropic gift by
Park Hotel Group. Together, they hope to raise S$3 million to reach out to even more people in need.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents or holders of a valid employment pass or work permit.
• Individuals who have lost their jobs or faced a personal income loss of 30% or more due to
COVID-19
• Individuals who have a household (at least 3 family members) income of ≤ S$8000 or per capita
household income of ≤ S$3500
• Priority is given to the following groups:
a) From the Hospitality and Food and Beverages (F&B) sectors
b) Main caregivers with extended family and/or special needs family members as well
as those with chronic health conditions
c) Those who have not benefited from other COVID-19 national relief schemes

Disbursement of the Uplift Fund:

The Fund will be disbursed to applicants through a one-time relief sum between S$500 to S$1,000, with a possible one-time renewal of S$500 after 3 months when applicants demonstrate that they underwent at least one relevant training during this period and subject to review by the YMCA FACES Committee. Applicants can apply for the Fund in two ways, through our Social Service Agency partners or direct online application on the Uplift Fund website at https://upliftfund.ymca.org.sg/.

Successful applicants will receive their relief sum between 5 to 7 working days if they submit their application through our SSA partners and between 7 to 10 working days if they submit their application directly on our website.

List of Social Service Agency partners:
1. AMKFSC Community Services Ltd
2. Bethesda Care Services
3. Care Community Services Society
4. Care Corner Family Service Centre
5. Fei Yue Family Service Centre
6. New Hope Community Services
7. Trybe
8. Yong-En Care Centre

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