Local property and hotel group launches new charity foundation

SINGAPORE - Property and hospitality group Roxy-Pacific Holdings will pump $200,000 annually into a new charity foundation that was launched on Friday.

The Roxy Foundation is a commitment by Roxy Pacific Holdings to grow its corporate social responsibility efforts, said its chief executive Teo Hong Lim at a charity lunch held in the hotel along East Coast road.

Mr Teo said the move will unite Roxy Pacific's charity programmes, such as ad-hoc collaborations with South East Community Development Council, Jamiyah's Children's Home and a yearly fund-raising project for children from lower-income families.

"We will be reviewing new areas to work with our existing beneficiaries. We are also open to new projects that are sustainable," Mr Teo added.

General manager Klaus Gottschalk said that in reviewing new projects, the foundation will be looking at the needs of communities within the hotel's immediate geographical proximity - the east coast.

"We feel very much a part of the East Coast community as we operate our business in the vicinity," he said.

Emeritus Senior Minister and Member of Parliament for Marine Parade GRC, Goh Chok Tong, did the honours by unveiling a commemorative plaque at the Grand Mecure Roxy Hotel.

Also at the ceremony were Member of Parliament for Mountbatten, Mr Lim Biow Chuan and 320 seniors under the care of non-profit organisation St Hilda's Community Services.

To raise funds for WeCare@MarineParade, a community network started by Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong to link people who need help with resources, Grand Mecure Singapore Roxy will be selling Scratch for Charity & Win cards for 50 cents each, at the hotel front desk and all dining outlets within the hotel.

Prizes include room stays, buffets, set lunches, desserts, beverages and discounts off room rates.

The hotel hopes to raise $25,000 from the initiative, which will be matched dollar for dollar by Roxy Pacific Holdings to a total of $50,000.

miranday@sph.com.sg

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