In response to unprecedented challenges facing some of the hardest hit communities in Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea and Taiwan, US based Gilead Sciences has announced a commitment of over US$500,000 of financial and resource support to donations across Asia, as part of its first Asia-wide corporate social responsibility program, “Creating Possible For Our Communities”.  

Part of the donation will be used to provide basic necessities to 1,200 lower-income families, provide education resources to over 1,000 underprivileged children, public health education in relation to COVID19, and cash donations to community-based organizations to allow them to continue to provide vital care services to HIV and hepatitis patients. Recipients include Food from the Heart in Singapore, KRX Happy Foundation in South Korea, St. James’ Settlement in Hong Kong and Homeless Taiwan in Taipei. 

“The Creating Possible For Our Communities program recognizes the needs of those that have suffered during the crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic has devastated economies and livelihoods, and as a member of our local communities, we believe that our response needs to extend beyond our scientific work with remdesivir,” said Andrew Hexter, Vice President and General Manager - Asia 5, Gilead Sciences.  

The “Creating Possible For Our Communities” program comprises of three initiatives: 1) Gilead Step Up Challenge, an employee-driven virtual run for charity event; 2) Gilead Asia Community Relief Initiative; and 3) Gilead CARES Grantee Fund. 

Ms Sim Bee Hia, Chief Executive Officer of Food from the Heart said the pandemic has created pockets of ‘new poor’ who lost their income overnight with some so severely affected that they have no choice but to turn to charities to survive.

“We really appreciate the generous support from Gilead and its employees. The donation allows us to accommodate and meet the increasing demand for help. Gilead sets an excellent example of how a corporate can garner support from its staff and partners to support the vulnerable in our community. As we anticipate more needs, we hope more corporates will do likewise,” she said.