The role of corporates and business organizations has emerged as substantial support for the society amid crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, with numerous social and charitable events launched to lend a helping hand to people in need.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been the most disruptive factor in 2020, causing adverse impacts on human health and economic activities around the world.

Amid this crisis, many corporates have met difficulties maintaining normal operations and securing their commitment to social responsibility.

Yet, those commitments are still sustained thanks to business groups or chambers, which have served as not only business-to-business networking platforms but also intermediaries between firms and charity groups.

The British Chamber of Commerce Vietnam (BritCham Vietnam), formerly known as British Business Group Vietnam (BBGV), had fulfilled that role during the years before the outbreak of the novel coronavirus.

Sam Wood, British Deputy Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City, recognized the year 2020 as “slightly unusual” during a press conference for Fun Run 2020 -- one of BritCham Vietnam’s biggest marathon events that promote a healthier lifestyle with outdoor activities and support needy people throughout Vietnam.

The outbreak has made events around the world such as Fun Run unimaginable due to the ongoing disruption from the coronavirus.

However, the diplomat showed appreciation toward the efforts of Vietnam in containing the COVID-19 outbreak, which paves the way for the Fun Run 2020, which will take place in Ho Chi Minh City on Sunday.

Since the first edition of the program, BritCham Vietnam has raised VND11 billion (US$476,900) for charities across Vietnam and welcomed thousands of runners and walkers each year.

BritCham Vietnam raised over VND1 billion ($43,354) for charities when 11,500 participants took part in its event in the Fun Run 2019.

Fun Run is a major charity event held annually by BritCham Vietnam to assist several charitable causes for education, healthcare, wildlife protection, and disadvantaged people in general.

Throughout 2019-20, BritCham Vietnam, through Saigon Children’s Charity (SCC), sponsored 22 university students, enabling them to reach their potentials through higher education.

“In addition to scholarships, BritCham Vietnam also responds to our emergency appeal during COVID-19 and donated $5,000 to help provide food packages for impoverished families in Ho Chi Minh City and other provinces,” stated an SCC representative.

Collaboration for social benefits

In its statement sending to Tuoi Tre News, BritCham Vietnam expressed its interest in educating the younger generation about the importance of a healthy lifestyle and the reason why small actions can benefit the wider society.

Working with the Christina Noble Children's Foundation (CNCF) since 2001, BritCham Vietnam's support has contributed to provide life-saving financial support to over 2,300 children living in poverty and those in need of urgent medical care and treatment at its partner hospitals.

“This support has not just saved lives. It has empowered these young people to overcome challenges and develop into healthy adults, helping them break the cycle of poverty for themselves, their families, and future generations,” according to CNCF.

Besides SCC and CNCF, BritCham Vietnam has joined hands with and given support to various charity organizations, such as the Vietnam Young Physician Association, Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation, Operation Smile, Bong Sen, Pacific Links Foundation, as well as University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City.

Given the fact that most vulnerable communities in Vietnam have been negatively affected by COVID-19 and natural disasters, BritCham Vietnam said the Fun Run 2020 is a special edition thanks to huge support from the business community.

Since 2000, Fun Run has helped bridge British and Vietnamese companies while encouraging them to give back to the local community, especially to Vietnamese people in difficult circumstances.

Le Dang Khoa, one of the noble investors in Shark Tank Vietnam, is the Goodwill Ambassador for BritCham Vietnam Fun Run 2020.

He shared that serving and sharing with the community is the responsibility of every business.

Joining meaningful events such as BritCham Vietnam Charity Fun Run is an ideal way for businesses across the country to approach the community and social projects, Khoa said.

The collaborations between businesses, chambers, and charity organizations are integral to sustaining the social values they offer.

“For businesses and chambers, partnerships also contribute to a strong corporate culture -- it is not what businesses or chambers can do for charity organizations, it is what can be achieved together, for those who need it most,” CNCF shared.

Meanwhile, SCC recognized the strength of partnerships between charity organizations and business chambers is “their consistency."

“Chambers such as BritCham Vietnam commit to charitable activities for the long-term, meaning that their impact is greater because they allow organizations to plan their activities and ensure the most meaningful help for our beneficiaries,” SCC told Tuoi Tre News via email.

In particular, SCC highlighted that BritCham Vietnam has a core mission to be a "responsible community organization."

It appreciated BritCham Vietnam’s capability and effort in fundraising and disbursement for the sake of the people in Vietnam.

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