6 ways to help out during COVID-19

Millions of livelihoods have been affected by COVID-19 – and we’re not sure how long the situation may last. If you’re in position to help those in Singapore who are struggling in the pandemic, from small businesses to vulnerable communities, there are lots of options. Here are some ideas for starters – a small act can go a long way!

#1 Shop online

Most of our favourite stores may not have opened their doors yet, but we can still show our support by shopping online. Whether it’s your favourite furniture store or grocer, many companies have online platforms that are easy to browse and order from. Best of all, you can get everything sent right to your doorstep.

#2 Buy cash vouchers or packages

Some brands and entertainment centres are offering advanced purchase packages and cash vouchers that you can use when things are up and running again. Not only will you be helping them through this difficult time, you can look forward to enjoying their services later on!

#3 Choose local

Another thing you can do is to visit your local hawker centre and drop in to small neighbourhood eateries and cafés that may be having a tough time. It’s the smaller places that really need our help right now! Plus, there are also small home-based businesses that we can support.

We also have a great list of restaurants with delivery and takeaway options – some have great dining deals to snag! And, if you’re able to, it’s a nice gesture to add a tip for your food delivery guys (or even order a meal for them – GrabFood allows this option).

#4 Volunteer your time

Charities and organisations are working around the clock to help people in need. There are many ways you can help, from befriending and accompanying the elderly for medical appointments to packing meals and tutoring needy students. Head to sgunited.gov.sg to find out how you can help.

There’s also Love Translated, a cool initiative where you can send encouraging messages to migrant workers in Singapore. Just WhatsApp your message to 8110 5683 and it’ll be sent to the workers in their native languages!

#5 Donate money

If you’re keen to give a cash donation, there are many causes to contribute to. Giving.sg is a great platform for finding out who you can donate to. They include heartwarming ground-up initiatives that have started in Singapore. Virus-specific relief is also listed. For instance, you can contribute to the Migrant Workers’ Assistance Fund to sponsor meals for foreign workers, Beyond Social Services to provide Wi-Fi access for low-income families or AWARE to help women who are victims of sexual assault. The list goes on.

We also shouldn’t forget practitioners in the arts scene – many of them are struggling financially due to cancelled performances and gigs. You can send in donations to help them during this period. Some non-profit local theatre companies to check out include Wild Rice and The Singapore Repertory Theatre.

#6 Donate essential items

And, of course, you can make in-kind donations for items that different communities need during this time. If you have working laptops lying around at home, for example, send them to Engineering Good. They’ll fix them up and pass them along to needy individuals. Or, if you’re good at sewing, join the efforts by Masks Sewn With Love to make reusable cloth masks for vulnerable communities in Singapore.

Along with masks, sanitising products are also in high demand. If you’ve got some of these to spare, why not pass them along to others who need them more? Contribute.sg and Masks for All SG have teamed up to collect and distribute these items. Find out more now.

City of Good is also working with charities to find out specific items that they need, from antibacterial soap to thermometers. Find out more about how you can help here.

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