Charities make an immense positive contribution to Singaporean society. They fill crucial gaps that are not addressed by government programs alone when it comes to assisting the disadvantaged. Charities provide specialized services tailored to the needs of different vulnerable groups – from the isolated elderly to families struggling with unemployment. They are able to build strong relationships within communities and identify areas requiring the most help. Here are some of the charities that have made a great impact in Singapore:
The Salvation Army
One of the most well-known charities in Singapore, The Salvation Army has been operating since 1935. They provide a wide range of services including emergency assistance, elderly care, children’s homes, prison support, rehabilitation centres, and more. The Salvation Army has helped countless individuals and families get back on their feet during difficult times. Their emergency food assistance and free meals for the needy are lifelines for many.
Mercy Relief
Focused on disaster relief and sustainable development, Mercy Relief responds rapidly to crises in Singapore and the region. They provided aid during the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines, and the 2015 Nepal earthquakes. In Singapore, their initiatives like Project HomeWorks help poor families upgrade their homes.
Food from the Heart
Food from the Heart was Singapore’s first food bank, leading the fight against hunger. They distribute food rations and hot meals to over 200 welfare homes and low-income families. Their FoodGood program collaborates with retailers to cut food waste and redirect unsold inventory to charity. They also engage the community with food donation drives.
Habitat for Humanity
With the mission to provide affordable housing, Habitat for Humanity has built over 50,000 homes globally. Their Singapore chapter constructs high-quality apartments for low-income families. Volunteering on a Habitat build project is a meaningful way to help a family in need.
Singapore Red Cross
Volunteers from the Singapore Red Cross are often on the frontlines of crisis response. From medical assistance to emergency relief deployment, they serve vulnerable communities. The Red Cross also offers training in first aid, disaster management, and humanitarian law.
Donations from individuals, organizations and companies are the lifeblood enabling most charities to carry out their good work. Donations allow them to run their facilities, programs and provide financial assistance to service users. Singapore provides attractive tax rebates to encourage greater giving – donors can claim a 250% tax deduction on qualifying donations. Corporates also benefit from tax deductions on their philanthropy. This empowers charities by motivating higher donations.
A significant portion of charity funding goes towards assisting Singapore’s most underprivileged. This includes low-income families living in rental flats, the homeless, those with disabilities or chronic illness and isolated seniors. Donations can cover daily living costs, health expenses, utilities, school fees and more for the underprivileged. Charities fill a critical role in uplifting these groups and giving them dignity and opportunities. Every dollar donated can make a tangible difference in someone’s life.
With Singaporeans’ generous support, charities will be able to maintain their impact. Their personalized services and ground-up initiatives are building a more equitable and caring society. Donations also allow charities to expand their scope and reach more beneficiaries. By sustaining and growing quality charities, we ensure disadvantaged groups get the specialized assistance they need.