On 4 December 2015, dbWoman of Deutsche Bank Singapore raised a massive $86,000 in aid of trafficking survivors supported by Hagar Singapore. In keeping with the company’s strong culture and commitment in helping women in their firm realise their full potential, it is very much at the top of their agenda to also extend a culture of support to help women in need.
The funds were raised at the dbWoman Singapore Charity Cook off 2015 organised by the women’s volunteer network in the Bank. The cooking competition was their unique and fun way of celebrating Singapore’s passion for good food and at the same time, rallying compassion to help set free survivors of human trafficking and abuse from their painful exploitation through donation asks to support the cooking challenge.
The competition was undertaken by four team chefs; senior managers in the Bank who demonstrated their culinary skills to put forth four Singapore favourite dishes namely, Nasi Lemak, Kueh Pie Tee, Chicken Satay and Mutton Rendang.
This fundraising cooking event was the culmination of the months of work and commitment that the team of female employee volunteers put together to support marginalised women, including girls who are trafficked to Singapore for sexual exploitation. Since September 2015, dbWoman has been partnering Hagar Singapore and raised teams of female employees to volunteer at Hagar Life Skills Empowerment Programme. The programme is specially designed and customised to engage and empower trauma victims with critical handles and skills to live a productive and purposeful life. Through the 8-module life skills programme, Deutsche Bank Singapore staff served as workshop facilitators and gave generously their love, time and friendship.
With Christmas around the corner, the women’s group went further by taking the girls out to Resorts World Sentosa where the girls were treated to the first of its kind experience as they visited the major attractions on the island. Besides sponsoring the entire day of sightseeing, the team of employee volunteers lovingly prepared gifts with different encouragement notes for every beneficiary. Such dedication and delightful attention to their needs!
The funds raised by the Bank’s employees will go a long way in enabling critical change in the lives of trafficking survivors through Hagar’s recovery and economic empowerment programmes.
Thank you dbWoman for giving of yourselves in exchange for the recovery of marginalised women!