Aramco Singapore delivering care to vulnerable elderly during the Covid-19 pandemic

28 Aramco employees packed 390 customized care packages for the elderly in Singapore.

Amongst the broader effects of the COVID-19 pandemic is the suffering of older people, as their basic needs coupled with healthcare services for conditions unrelated to COVID-19 become strained. In Singapore, more than half of Singapore residents are aged 65 and above. 

Doing good while appreciating the need where we operate, Aramco Singapore reached out to the Singapore Red Cross (SRC) to contribute in one of their initiatives to provide customized care packages for the vulnerable elderlies living alone.

“Aramco is focused on securing the health and safety of our workforce and communities as part of our on-going global response to COVID-19,” said Marwa Al-Khuzaim, managing director, Aramco Asia Singapore. “In Singapore, we want to support Singapore’s COVID-19 relief efforts by making a difference to the community and this partnership with the Red Cross allows us to deliver on our commitment to those who needs it most.”

On his part, Mr. Benjamin William, Secretary-General and CEO, Singapore Red Cross, said “we are very thankful to Aramco for the support and dedication towards our COVID-19 local response. During these trying times, the Singapore Red Cross remains committed to delivering essential services in aid of the local vulnerable,” 

“The care packages will provide much-needed support and relief to our beneficiaries for their most immediate and essential needs. It is heartening to see more corporations stepping forward to help and we look forward to nurturing a long-term partnership with Aramco." Mr. William added. 

The response from Aramco Singapore employees was also overwhelming. Over three days from 11 – 13 August, 28 Aramco Singapore volunteers packed 390 customized packages comprising a mixture of food, medical, hygiene and household items to meet the needs of the elderly. At the packing site, there were safe distancing measures in place to safeguard the health and safety of the volunteers.

Feedback from the Aramco volunteers have been positive. Marketing Coordinator Faruq Mohamed Taib said, “The activity is very meaningful, especially during current difficult times. It feels good knowing that our little contribution probably made the old folks’ lives a little bit better, and I hope that there will be more opportunities to engage the community more often in future.”

Asia Talent Acquisition Manager Fatimah Al-Namlah added, “One of Aramco’s values is the emphasis on citizenship and fostering relationships with the local community. Through this social responsibility activity, we were given the opportunity to contribute to Singapore by supporting our senior citizens. It’s an experience that resonated greatly with me and my colleagues.”

On 15 August the care packages were delivered to the elderly and Aramco Singapore volunteers also took time to conduct a visual assessment of the elderly well-being.

"I received many items in the care package like sanitizers, wet wipes, gauze, and some food items. These are very useful to me, especially as I am not working right now. I'm very thankful to the volunteers for taking their time to deliver the care package to me," said Grace Lee, a recipient from the Community Befriending Program.