Park Hotel Group has joined forces with YMCA of Singapore to launch Uplift Fund to provide financial assistance to hospitality and F&B workers whose livelihoods are affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The emergency relief fund, which is established under the YMCA Financial Assistance and Capability Employment Scheme (FACES), is kickstarted by a S$500,000 (US$365,000) philanthropic gift by Park Hotel Group. The Singapore-based hospitality group will also match dollar for dollar donations by their team members.
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.
“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," said Allen Law, CEO of Park Hotel Group.
"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," he add, recognising the devastating impacts of the Covid-19 crisis on many lives and businesses in the hospitality and F&B sectors, especially those who are main breadwinners of extended family or those with family members with special needs.
Other corporations and organisations such as Apricot Capital and RB Capital have also donated to the fund, according to Steve Loh, general secretary & CEO, YMCA of Singapore.
He added: “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."
More details of the Uplift Fund are as follows:
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 three 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 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 three 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 YMCA's Social Service Agency (SSA) partners or direct online application on the Uplift Fund website at upliftfund.ymca.org.sg.
Successful applicants will receive their relief sum between five to seven working days if they submit their application through the SSA partners and between seven to 10 working days if they submit their application directly on the YMCA website.
YMCA's list of SSA partners include AMKFSC Community Services, Bethesda Care Services, Care Community Services Society, Care Corner Family Service Centre, Fei Yue Family Service Centre, New Hope Community Services, Trybe and Yong-En Care Centre.