In Singapore’s busy retail scene, it’s easy to find something beautiful. But how much better if your purchase could be more than just a product? Want to know where to buy brands that give back?
Located at Tanglin Mall and Joo Chiat, A Raft of Otters strives to offer more than just great style. The team says they are dedicated to curating brands that are ethical, socially responsible and committed to giving back to the community. When you buy these socially-conscious brands, you’re making a positive impact on lives around the world. Here’s a glimpse of some of the things you’ll find in-store.
Moniko
Distributed by Layard Interiors, Moniko brings you genuine vintage kimonos from Japan, lovingly handmade by disabled artisans in Cambodia. This initiative was founded by Kong, a courageous woman who lost her leg in a landmine incident at age 12. After receiving sewing training from a vocational charity, Kong now mentors the next generation. She passes on her skills to them and provides opportunities. Each Moniko piece includes a tag with the name of the artisan who made it, connecting you directly to the hands that crafted your unique item.
Apollonia
This fashion brand supports a private domestic violence shelter in Delhi. There, it provides education and teaches embroidery skills to women and children to help them rebuild their lives. Apollonia also supports the London Air Ambulance charity and Save the Children through annual donations, reflecting founder Poppy’s deep commitment to these causes.
The Bright Campaign
This eco-conscious brand goes beyond selling products made from recycled materials; it plants a tree for every product purchased! In partnership with Ecologi and The Eden Reforestation Projects, The Bright Campaign has planted over 11,000 trees globally in the past four years, thanks to the support of its wonderful customers.
DrawnBy:
While this brand’s products bring joy to people of all ages, it has a special passion for nurturing creativity in children. Every year, it donates to children’s charities in Singapore, including Make-A-Wish Foundation, Children’s Aid Society and Club Rainbow. It also brings light and laughter to children’s homes through donations of its creative products. Through small gifts with a big heart, the DrawnBy: team ensures that every purchase helps brighten a child’s day.
Indian Spicebox
Through a portion of sales from her cookbook and children’s books, Namita has committed to fund one million hot meals for underprivileged children in India through charity partner Annamrita Foundation by the end of 2025.
Singapore Silk Flowers
For every 10 stems purchased, Singapore Silk Flowers partners with Seven Clean Seas to remove 1kg of plastic debris from the ocean. It also supports tree planting initiatives through Ecologi. This makes your floral purchase as beautiful for the planet as it is for your home!
Straits Light
Supporting the empowerment of women through bracelet sales, Straits Light donates proceeds to Daughters of Tomorrow and Fashion for Cancer, providing direct financial assistance and opportunities for women in need. It’s also a member of B1G1 (Buy One Give One) where every purchase creates meaningful change in communities around the world.
Elephant Parade
Another brand that gives back, Elephant Parade is known for its iconic elephant sculptures. They contribute a portion of its sales to elephant conservation efforts, ensuring these magnificent creatures are protected for future generations.
And that’s just the beginning. At A Raft of Otters, your purchases support a wide array of causes, from female empowerment to environmental sustainability and animal welfare. Even their cotton tote bags are designed with purpose – 100 percent of the profits go directly to the ACRES SG animal charity.
So, if you’re looking for a reason to indulge in some shopping, make every dollar count by choosing brands that give back.
Visit A Raft of Otters at #03-102 Tanglin Mall and 420 Joo Chiat Road, #01-01, or call 8125 5725.
Follow Instagram @araftofotters.tm to stay updated on the latest collections.
This article on brands that give back first appeared in the October 2024 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe, so you never miss a copy!
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