After being put on hold for a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Regional Charity Fortnight initiative organised by PSA’s Europe, Mediterranean & the Americas’ (EMA) region has made a return – with a twist! In June, our colleagues across the EMA business units clocked in runs, swims and bicycle rides to raise funds for charity, and these activities simultaneously helped to foster a sense of togetherness since the disruptions to work caused by the pandemic.

Prior to the pandemic, the EMA Regional Charity Fortnight would traditionally see PSA staff from various EMA business units setting up initiatives to raise money or support local organisations that work to help children and youth in challenging circumstances.

However, this year, the EMA team developed a virtual initiative titled “Moving for Charity” to raise funds instead! The aim was to walk, run, bike, swim – or participate in any physical activity in their own time – to clock as much distance as possible for charitable causes. To track the distance covered, our staff used a sports web application which recorded their movements and also allowed them to work towards a common goal while physically apart.

In less than a week, our colleagues reached the target of 25,000 km – the distance amongst EMA business units, beginning from Ashcroft Terminal and ending at Mersin International Port. The goal was then doubled to 50,000 km and collectively, our staff managed to jointly raise €32,500 (S$52,097)!

This initiative not only allowed PSA to stay alongside and continue contributing to the communities we operate in, it also enhanced the sense of togetherness among our staff after an extended period of working from home and disruptions to work.