- Breaking Barriers programme enters its fifth year with the aim of creating opportunities for people with disabilities to strengthen community living skills
- Certis Senior Leaders took time off to buy and deliver groceries to SPD’s home-based clients as part of their commitment to lead by example and give back to the community
- Certis donates S$60,000 towards Breaking Barriers and in celebration of SPD’s 60th anniversary
Certis today reaffirmed its commitment towards persons with disabilities as part of its community stewardship through its fifth-year partnership with SPD. SPD is a local charity set up to help people with disabilities of all ages to maximise their potential and integrate into mainstream society.
This year is a significant milestone for SPD, marking 60 years of providing essential services and support to people with disabilities or people who may develop disabling conditions.
To commemorate the fifth year of partnership and SPD's 60th anniversary, Senior Leaders from Certis personally purchased and delivered much-needed groceries to the households of 60 SPD beneficiaries who are receiving case management support. Aptly titled ‘Shop for Good’, the activity underscores Certis' dedication to creating a meaningful impact in the community, and the personal involvement of its senior leaders in this initiative reflects their collective effort to this cause.
Certis will also continue to support the Breaking Barriers programme, a joint initiative with SPD. In its fifth year, the programme aims to emphasise the importance of integrating people with disabilities into society by creating opportunities for them to learn and practise community living skills. This support from Certis is testament to the positive change that can be achieved when corporate entities and social organisations come together.
Comprising a series of learning, recreational and engagement activities, Breaking Barriers encourages the participation of people with disabilities in public spaces, to raise awareness of disability amongst members of the public. Through its volunteer programme, Certis employees will continue to support the same group of clients from SPD’s Day Activity Centre to foster a bond based on familiarity. The fifth edition of Breaking Barriers will start in August 2024, with activities that include an adaptive fitness session, brownie baking, bowling and grocery shopping.
One of the clients who has benefited from the Breaking Barriers programme is 40-year-old Lokman Nur Hakim bin Ithnin, a daily attendee at SPD's Day Activity Centre who always participates actively in the centre’s activities. Lokman shared, "I look forward to going to the Day Activity Centre every day as I enjoy doing different activities with my friends. I also enjoy talking to volunteers, especially if it is about my favourite topics like sports!"
Certis will contribute S$60,000 to SPD, which will go towards the Breaking Barriers programme and celebrate the charity's 60th anniversary. This contribution is part of Certis' ongoing commitment to making our world better for all individuals, especially those with disabilities.
"This donation and our ongoing partnership with SPD embody Certis' commitment to our community, creating a positive impact to those in need. We are privileged to support SPD's invaluable work in enhancing the lives of people with disabilities, and look forward to continuing our collaborative efforts in the years ahead," said President and Group Chief Executive Officer Paul Chong, who presented the cheque to SPD during the Shop for Good initiative.
"We are grateful for Certis' unwavering support over the past five years and for doubling their donation this year as we celebrate our 60th anniversary. This generous contribution signals the confidence that partners like Certis have in SPD, and this is a great motivation for us to continue our work in ensuring that people with disabilities receive the support they need to lead fulfilling lives. Together with Certis, we are fostering inclusivity and making meaningful strides towards a more inclusive society," said Abhimanyau Pal, SPD Chief Executive Officer.
Certis remains committed to championing community causes and is enthusiastic about future opportunities to further contribute to SPD’s mission. Our long-term commitment to these initiatives reassures the community of their sustainability and our dedication to making a lasting impact.