On 5 Nov, close to 40 Certis staff and nine beneficiaries joined hands to decorate four 3.75-metre tall arches and a 3-metre tall art tree made of recycled timber at the Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade. This volunteering activity was organised as part of Certis’ corporate social responsibility efforts to support ChariTrees, a fundraiser of The Business Times Budding Artists Fund (BT BAF), which provides financially disadvantaged children and youth with arts training and performing opportunities.
Certis is the Presenting Donor of ChariTrees this year. As Certis evolves as an advanced integrated security services partner globally, it remains committed to social investing and giving back to the communities it serves. Certis also strongly encourages employees to take on active roles in contributing back to the society and has a lineup of volunteerism initiatives. On 23 October 2018, Certis announced its transformation from a physical guarding services provider, to a unique specialist (operations-technology) ops-tech outsourcing partner with advanced security and technology at its core. The New Certis was launched by Minister for Finance, Mr Heng Swee Keat.
On being part of the Certis volunteer team to decorate the art tree and the arches, Mr Goh Soo Lim, Senior Managing Director, Strategic Business Development, Certis, said, “Certis firmly believes in giving back to the society. In this joyous season of giving, I am proud to be able to work hand in hand with the beneficiaries to set the festive mood along Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade. We had an enjoyable afternoon dressing up the art tree and the arches. It was a rewarding experience for me and I definitely look forward to participating in more such meaningful activities.”
On the experience of beautifying the arches, Ms Ng Chan Mui, Engineer, Chief Information Security Officer Office, Certis, said: “Certis strives to make meaningful contributions to the society and I am glad to be part of this worthy social cause. The hands-on decorating activity gave me an opportunity to interact with the beneficiaries, learn from each other and let creative juices flow. It was a well-spent afternoon and I wish them the best in pursuing their passions and realising their dreams in the arts field.”
Says Ra’biah Adawiyah Bte Mohd Shafiee, 11, beneficiary of The Business Times Budding Artists Fund: “I feel ecstatic about this opportunity to decorate the ChariTrees and I am grateful for the wonderful people and organisations who support us with funding to enhance our skills in the arts. I would like to teach the arts in the future especially under-privileged children, as a way to give back to society.”
With the combined efforts of our Certis volunteers and the beneficiaries, the arches and the tree were beautifully adorned with colourful fairy lights, Christmas and Certis-designed ornaments in less than two hours.
ChariTrees 2018 will run for seven weeks, starting from 9 Nov to Boxing Day on 26 Dec.
