Around last Chinese New Year, talk about COVID-19 consumed our conversations. Then when Covid-19 was first transmitted among those in Singapore, we braved through it and thought the worst was over. That was until the second wave came.
During the circuit breaker period of self-isolating, the media was flooded with reports about panic buying, to the point where the shelves in grocery stores were empty. This highlighted the immense concerns Singaporeans had for themselves and their loved ones.
Yet amid the craziness of it all, Singaporeans still had others on their minds. We saw a rise in donations as Singaporeans nationwide felt compelled to give and help those most affected by the pandemic. More than $102 million has been donated in the past year despite the pandemic, surpassing previous annual records.
Around this time last year, the rise of donations was in part due to how those who received their $600 Solidarity Payment felt that there were others who needed it more. A year on, it is important to remember that community support is still needed – more so than ever. Even as our lives return to the new normal, there are others who are finding it more challenging to thrive in the new normal than others.
So, let us take action. Let us remember what we can do together as a community, just like we did last year.
Not sure where to start? Here’s a list of campaigns you can donate to in April.
Support Vulnerable Children in Singapore
Vulnerable families have been heavily affected by new challenges created by COVID-19. Household income for low-income families in Singapore fell 69% last year due to the pandemic, with those in the bottom 10% seeing a 6.1% real decline in income.
In an effort to support vulnerable students during COVID-19, SHINE is raising funds for their initiatives to benefit children and youth.
SHINE aims to support children with learning disabilities, and children and youth at-risk. To create an even wider impact, they provide training, consultation and supervision for professionals working with marginalised children and youths.
Your donation can help empower at-risk children and youth to overcome their challenges and maximise their potential. Donate now.
Provide A Welcoming Home For The Elderly
Donate to “Pau for PA” to support residents at St John’s Home For Elderly Persons who are under the Public Assistance (PA) scheme.
The PA scheme offers long-term assistance of $600 a month to those who have little or no means of income and family support. However, it tends to take $1,500 to provide for each resident, leading to a monthly shortfall of $900. Your support ensures St John’s Home for Elderly Persons can continue to provide a warm shelter and comforting home for the elderly in-need.
St John’s has been a home to many elderly without suitable accommodation since 1958 and is largely dependent on the public’s generosity to continue their work. Donate now.
Protect Our Migrant Workers
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the often overlooked community of migrant workers in Singapore. Almost half of migrant workers staying in dormitories have had a COVID-19 infection. A year later, life in the dormitories has still not returned to normal. Restrictions in place in the dorms extend to their lives outside, with workers only being allowed to go to purpose-built recreation centres on their rest day.
These restrictions have taken a toll on the morale of migrant workers nationwide. To express care and concern for them, Singapore Red Cross Society has been delivering essentials such as masks and hand sanitiser to dormitories across Singapore to help migrant workers stay safe and protect themselves.
By donating to Singapore Red Cross Society’s fundraising campaign for “Essentials Delivered to Migrant Workers”, you can help to fund their operational costs and enable them to continue supporting migrant workers. Donate now.
Support Inclusive Employment This Hari Raya
Hari Raya has to be celebrated differently due to COVID-19, but this does not mean it has to be any less meaningful or festive. Last year, we connected virtually with our family and friends, continuing to stay safe while still creating meaningful memories with our loved ones.
This year, help bring festive cheer to low income families! By donating gift hampers filled with food and decorative items, you will help support the employment of individuals with special needs, social enterprises and small local businesses.
Put a smile on the faces of low-income families while supporting inclusive employment by donating to Extraordinary People today. Donate now.
Extend A Helping Hand During Ramadan
The month of Ramadan is a time for reflection and celebration. This Ramadan, take the chance to share your blessings with communities in need.
TAA Trust Fund (Tabung Amal Aidilfitri Trust Fund) assists over 3,000 people in need annually, and every donation counts. In particular, they support patients from vulnerable low-income families who are suffering from chronic diseases and illnesses such as kidney failure, stroke, cancer, and diabetes. Donate now.
For a full list of fundraising campaigns you may donate to, check out: https://www.giving.sg/donation
