SINGAPORE — OCBC Bank has expanded its corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme #OCBCCares with an additional S$600,000 to support initiatives proposed by its charity partners.

The causes range from vulnerable children, youth and families and disadvantaged elderly to people with special needs and environmental sustainability.

In December last year, OCBC committed some S$300,000 to kick-start a total of nine projects.

Among them was the setting up of a disability clinic by the Movement for the Intellectually Disabled in Singapore (Minds) to cater to special needs individuals when they fall ill.

The clinic is operated by doctors who are specially trained to work with special needs patients. #OCBCCares has also found traction among at least one of its customers.

Mr Ang Song Mong, the proprietor of Ang Seng Eggs Supplier, was so touched by the CSR effort that he promptly decided to supply the eggs for a food distribution programme spearheaded by Food from the Heart, one of OCBC’s charity partners, at a discount. He also donated 1,500 eggs more each month for free.

“I am just doing my part to help. If everyone chips in, we will succeed in building a caring society,” said Mr Ang.

Beyond financial support, OCBC staff volunteers continue to contribute their time and skills to engage the bank’s charity partners.

Last year, one in four bank employees gave back to the community, each contributing an average of five hours of their time.

Among OCBC’s 15 charity partners are the Dyslexia Association of Singapore, HCA Hospice, KK Children and Women Hospital, National Library Board (kidsRead), St Andrews Autism Centre, Student Care Services and Willing Hearts.

In its first year, more than 3,000 people and 2,500 families received support from the fund set up by OCBC, the bank said in a statement.

Mr Samuel Tsien, OCBC Group CEO, said the bank has donated a total of S$10.5 million to support needy children and promote education over the past 10 years.

Apart from these projects, OCBC has expanded its focus to include environmental projects, such as the OCBC Skyway at Gardens by the Bay, coastal clean-up at Pasir Ris, the OCBC Cycle programme and the sponsorship of the Singapore Sports Hub.