Building Homes, Elevating Lives: DB Schenker’s Overseas Community Service Project in Cambodia

For the last 8 years, DB Schenker Singapore has partnered with Operation Hope Foundation to make a difference in the lives of the local community in Cambodia. In its 7th overseas community service project to Cambodia, 56 volunteers consisting of colleagues, friends, families, and business partners of DB Schenker Singapore and Malaysia joined for a 5-day expedition. Special mention to Muslim colleagues for joining the trip despite the limited halal dietary options and having to rely on instant meals on days while in the rural province areas.

Up to 4 houses and 4 toilets were sponsored and built by the volunteers during the span of a few days. To alleviate the electricity cost that comes with house ownership, solar-powered lights were installed for these houses, allowing the families to continue their livelihood in a well-light environment. Atop the experience of working tirelessly under the sun, the first-timers of this trip were proud to have the chance to dig holes for sanitary facilities and wield a hammer to build houses.  

Besides providing access to better homes and clean sanitary facilities, volunteers participated in a donation drive for over 120 families and 200 children in need, distributing food, books, clothes, toys, and more. Several of these items were contributed by colleagues back in Singapore and brought over with the team during the travel to Cambodia. As part of the trip, the volunteer group also engaged with youths in a children’s home through a series of games and crafts.

With each passing expedition and donations contribution by colleagues back in Singapore, the volunteers were directly able to witness the steady improvement in the livelihoods of the local community over the years through the annual community service trip. More families managed to gain means to support themselves, and children could regularly attend school and receive proper education, which over time may break the cycle of poverty.

The gratitude of the beneficiaries received by the volunteers on each trip reaffirms the company's efforts in truly making a difference in their lives and with the excellent program organized by Operation Hope Foundation, DB Schenker Singapore is immensely honored to be part of this meaningful initiative and looks forwards to the next overseas community service project in 2024.