4th September 2024, UM Singapore, a prominent member of the IPG Mediabrands network, hosted a truly special Impact Day in collaboration with MINDS (Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore). Together with partners GumGum and Mr. Bucket Chocolaterie, the event delivered a heartwarming experience that not only spread joy but also raised awareness about the importance of inclusivity for individuals with intellectual disabilities.
A Sweet Celebration of Inclusion at Mr. Bucket Chocolaterie
As part of the Impact Day initiative, UM Singapore employees and MINDS clients enjoyed a delightful day at Mr. Bucket Chocolaterie, where they participated in a chocolate factory tour and decorating session. This marked the second year of UM’s collaboration with MINDS, reinforcing their shared commitment to fostering understanding and community integration for persons with intellectual disabilities.
Kasper Aakerlund, Regional President of UM APAC and Head of UM Singapore, expressed his gratitude:
“We are thrilled to have partnered with MINDS, GumGum, and Mr. Bucket Chocolaterie to create such a special experience for our employees and the beneficiaries. Impact Day is a powerful reminder of our responsibility to give back to the community and make a positive impact.”
Building a Better World Through Shared Experiences
UM Singapore’s Impact Day 2024 followed the theme, “ONE Day, ONE UM, ONE Better World,” emphasizing community, curiosity, and courage. The event also aligns with UM’s APAC-wide focus on Equity, demonstrating their dedication to creating a more inclusive and equitable world.
The event was a collective effort, supported by GumGum, a leader in contextual-first digital advertising. Kevin Smyth, Head of Sales for Asia at GumGum, shared:
“MINDS is an incredible organization doing extremely important work to empower persons with intellectual disabilities, and we’re honored to have been able to spend the day with MINDS clients.”
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Advocating for Inclusion: MINDS and the Power of Partnership
MINDS, one of Singapore’s largest charities supporting persons with intellectual disabilities, was at the heart of the day’s activities. Sophia Lim, Director of Strategic Communications and Engagement at MINDS, emphasized the importance of such partnerships in supporting their cause:
“At MINDS, we strive to empower and enhance the quality of life of persons with intellectual disability (PWIDs) and their families. We’re heartened that partners like UM are journeying alongside us to support PWIDs and advocate for their integration into society.”
As part of their ongoing advocacy, MINDS encourages the public to attend the MINDS Film Festival (MFF) 2024, an initiative jointly presented by MINDS and the Singapore Film Society to create greater awareness and understanding of intellectual disabilities. The festival will take place over two weekends in September, featuring seven international films aimed at promoting inclusion and advocacy.
A Commitment to Ethical Sourcing and Sustainability
Mr. Bucket Chocolaterie, known for its commitment to sustainability, provided the perfect setting for Impact Day. A representative from the chocolatier explained:
“At Mr. Bucket, we aim to highlight the best of Asia’s rich and diverse cacao heritage, using chocolate as a medium to provide exceptional experiences while staying true to our commitment to ethical sourcing and quality.”
A Festival of Advocacy
As the MINDS Film Festival draws near, UM Singapore’s partnership with MINDS reminds us all of the importance of inclusion, community, and connection. By working together, they hope to inspire others to join the movement towards creating a more equitable world for persons with intellectual disabilities. For more information about the MINDS Film Festival, visit www.mindsfilmfest.com.
