CIGNA International Markets Continues the “Cigna – Habitat For Humanity Recognition Build” Program, Joining Forces with Volunteers from Around the World to Build “Homes”– the Most Important Foundation for Creating a Sus

Tuesday 05 April 2016 12:39
A family is the smallest community unit that contributes as a starting key in advancing the society. "Home" is an essential factor to make family feel warm and safe, which can impact security for the society as a whole. Such idea is the beginning of a global Corporate Social Responsibility program of CIGNA International Markets called "Cigna – Habitat For Humanity Recognition Build", by partnering with Habitat for Humanity (Thailand) Foundation. Cigna foresees the importance of establishing a stable and sustainable community in Thailand. More than 50 staffs from Europe, USA, Middle East, and Asia have volunteered in building homes for the underprivileged and support fundamental needs for safe shelters. This activity reflects Cigna global mission, to help the people we serve improve their health, well-being and sense of security.

Mr. Jason Sadler, President, Cigna International Markets mentioned that, "Cigna continues to work with non-profit organizations around the globe to improve health and health equity. We know that no matter where you live, your community plays a big role in your health. We work together with businesses in our local communities, our employees and through the philanthropic work of the Cigna Foundation to help the communities where we live and work to be places where making the healthy choice is the easy choice. This is the fourth consecutive year that Cigna has supported Habitat for Humanity as part of our global CSR initiative. Habitat for Humanity helps to meet the most basic need for people – housing. There is a need in Thailand for proper housing, sanitation and water systems, which we know are critical in order for healthy living. Cigna is committed to helping the communities where we serve become truly healthy."

"Our approach to leading Corporate Social Responsibility at Cigna, called Cigna Connects, is to meaningfully connect our mission to a broad range of environmental, social and governance initiatives," said Ms. Lisa Bacus, Executive Vice President and Global Chief Marketing Officer, Cigna. "Simply put, Cigna Connects works to create positive impacts in the health of people, communities and the environment. At Cigna, responsible business practice means making the connection between personal health and the health of our global environment. We are making that connection through a sustainability program that couples our commitment to corporate social responsibility with the enthusiasm of our team. Cigna considers managing the risks and opportunities associated with climate change and resource scarcity as a significant aspect of being a responsible business.

"We are proud of our long-standing partnership with Habitat for Humanity across the globe. Currently, Cigna is sponsoring a home near our headquarters in Hartford, Connecticut. Right now, we are in Thailand building homes for three more deserving families, which extends our reach and our impact. Having a home is the most basic sense of security we can provide." Lisa added.

Mr.Julian Mengual, CEO and Country Manager, Cigna Thailand explained the significance of "Cigna – Habitat For Humanity Recognition Build" Program in Thailand that, "Cigna's Corporate Social Responsibility activity in building homes for the needed is in-lined with the brand positioning "to enhance people's health and well-being" as well as reflects Cigna's disposition to uplift Thai society. By providing housing for the needy is the most valuable gift as a home is the foundation of everything. Having own home improves people's quality of life physically, mentally, and financially. Cigna will continue to improve Thai people's lives through such Corporate Social Responsibility program."

CIGNA International Markets has partnered with Habitat for Humanity Foundation, a non-profit organization with a global network, with the aim to help manage housing for the needy and reduce the number of homeless people as much as possible. This year, Cigna has brought over 50 volunteers from Europe, America, Middle East, and Asia to Mai Khao Municipality, Thalang District in Phuket, home of underprivileged fishermen families, to build three houses for three underprivileged families of Mr. Woraphan Thititanyaluk, Ms. Salinee Srirat and Ms. Sodsri Sairaya.

Ms. Sodsri Sairaya shared her feelings after receiving her own home that, "We are a big family with many members. Since I was young up until now at the age of 40, I have never had my own room. Some nights I couldn't sleep and felt troublesome. When I started my own family, I had to move out to stay in a small hut with my husband and children. The hut had neither bathroom nor kitchen. Having my own home and my own bedroom is truly a dream comes true. I would like to thank Cigna volunteers who had come to help build our home. It is the most precious gift. Although it was a short period of time but I feel a strong bond with the volunteers as if they were my own family. Thank you for making our dream comes to life."

Mr. Preecha Phusimma, one of Cigna Thailand volunteers recalled his experience in participating in the activity that, "I know that tsunami hit Phuket many years ago causing misfortunes for the people of Phuket especially in housing area and I felt the urge to help by joining Cigna program. Throughout the four days as a volunteer, I was impressed by the energy of Cigna volunteers from all over the world in building homes for the underprivileged. We started from laying bricks and plastering, to handing the houses to the families. This activity made me understand the word "home" in various perspectives. Home is not just housing but the beginning of life. The progress of families, communities, and societies all starts at "home". I feel proud and thrilled to be a part of this activity."

The activity has confirmed that the well-being of the community and the society can be co-created. For six years, from 2010 to 2016, Cigna has helped build 11 homes for the underprivileged in the Northern, Eastern, and Southern parts of Thailand. The company is committed in continuously partnering with Habitat for Humanity in other countries as a part of creating a stable, safe, and sustainable community, in line with Cigna's global vision help the people we serve, improve their health, well-being, and security.