CapitaLand Hope Foundation donates 25,000 USD to Saigonchildren for support of autism in Vietnam
This morning 25th May 2019, around 1,500 people joined in ‘The Steps Challenge 2019’. Hosted by Saigon Children’s Charity (Saigonchildren), in partnership with CapitaLand Vietnam, this event aimed to reach 10 million steps to unlock a donation of 25,000 USD from CapitaLand Hope Foundation (CHF), which is to be used for the Special Needs Education Programme of saigonchildren to directly support the autism community across Vietnam.
One month before, the online campaign #stepupforautism was launched as the first part of the programme ‘The Steps Challenge’, aiming at raising autism awareness across Vietnam with the target of 100 million steps shared online. After 6 weeks, the number of steps reached almost double, attracting thousands of people across the country to join the movement online. In conjunction with this success, ‘The Steps Challenge’ event tickets were sold out 2 weeks before the event and attracted a wide range of participants in Ho Chi Minh City, including youth, families with kids, and teams from companies. This programme was also an initiative as part of CapitaLand’s 25th year anniversary in Vietnam.
Mr Chen Lian Pang, CEO of CapitaLand Vietnam, said: “2019 marks a significant year as CapitaLand celebrates its 25th anniversary in Vietnam. In conjunction with this milestone and as we continue to grow our business in Vietnam, we are committed to giving back to the local community. We believe that every child has the potential for greatness, and when built upon, can in return benefit their communities too.”
Ms. Truc Nguyen, representative from Trustee Board of Saigonchildren happily shared: We all know that Autism cannot be cured completely, but early diagnosis and support mean that children with autism can communicate and learn better, and ultimately have a better life. Your energy today will be transformed into money support from CapitaLand who is our wonderful partner for The Steps Challenge. All the money we raise through this activity will be spent on autism education projects across Vietnam.
Today, all participants have achieved more than 10 million steps collectively together by joining in walking, running, participating in games, bamboo dances, jumping and passing obstacles during the Steps Challenge. These efforts have unlocked CHF’s donation and opened doors to a better understanding of autism and children with autism’s integration into society, bringing hope and opportunity for the lives of hundreds of thousands of children and their beloved.
With the donation of 25,000 USD from CapitaLand Vietnam, Saigonchildren can help many children with autism across the country through activities of their Special Needs Education Programme (SNEP). This programme provides:
● Training sessions: providing in-depth knowledge and skills for Vietnamese Autism practitioners as well as carers and parents of children with autism. The trainers are honored specialists and therapists from abroad to have worked with us for many years.
● Organizing autism events and autism awareness campaigns: bringing together autistic children and families, and raise awareness of autism among the public.
● Facilities and equipment of special schools across Vietnam: making teaching and learning more professional and accessible.
● Developing a national autism education programme: creating ‘Centres of Excellence for Autism Education’ in Vietnam to coordinate medical, educational, community and professional leaders.
Participants of The Steps Challenge enjoyed many energetic performances from popular singers and dance crews including Suboi and Joker Rock. Besides, the warm-up start with interesting exercises was hosted by ambassador VJ Dustin Phuc Nguyen and Suboi, as well as other KOLs and VIPs of the event.
We send a big thank you to our medical partner of the event is American International Hospital; Technical partner Up Beat. And other sponsors including: City International Hospital, Apollo English, Kiehl’s, Lock&Lock. Marsh, Greenhat, Nutrifort, QBE, Vy Gallery, 123go.vn, Caravelle,The Six Coffee, Auchan, Genshai, Pocari Sweat, Mandala Juice, Greenie Scoop, Jump Arena, Mandala Wellness, Kinderland, Saigon Boat Company, Saigon Heat, Starbuck, The coffee house, Toong Co-working Space.
The Steps Challenge 2019 ended today but the whole campaign of “Unlocking Hope” for a positive impact of enhancing healthy habits and autism awareness has just begun. Saigonchildren Special Needs Education Programme is open to receive any fundraising efforts and funding to support more and more children with autism across Vietnam
*Saigon Children’s Charity CIO (saigonchildren) was founded in 1992 to help disadvantaged Vietnamese children to get an education and a fairer start in life. saigonchildren works exclusively in Vietnam and is committed to overcoming barriers to education for children, including poverty, geography, knowledge and disability.
*CapitaLand Limited (CapitaLand) and CapitaLand Hope Foundation (CHF)
CapitaLand Limited (CapitaLand) is one of Asia’s largest real estate companies, headquartered and listed in Singapore. With 25 years of experience in Vietnam, CapitaLand is committed to being a long-term real estate developer and giving back to the community.
In 2005, CapitaLand set up its philanthropic arm, CapitaLand Hope Foundation (CHF), to support underprivileged children in their shelter, education and healthcare needs in countries where the company operates. Every year, CapitaLand allocates up to 0.5% of our net profit to CHF to build a better future for underprivileged children.