“If you have $100, where would you donate the money to and why?”
“If you have $100, where would you donate the money to and why?” - my older son, A1, asked this question and I loved it!
We went one round to hear everyone and these are my family's responses.
A1: To the people in Melawi (Africa) because I love them and they need the money. Background story - He always had a soft spot for Africans since young, from exposure to missionaries and books about them.
A2: To the zoo, to feed the lions, tigers and sharks.
Hubs: To children’s home and organisations that help children who are neglected by parents because they need to know that they are loved and remembered.
Me: To SPCA because I love animals and I know the executive director of SPCA since my university days who already was a strong advocate for animals rights since then. I want to support his passion and meaningful cause in this work that he does.
I love how simple conversation starters led us to learn and hear more from one another.
To deepen the connection and encourage the learning, we researched more about the various organisations - what they do and what help they need.
Please allow us to share with you some of the organisations that we have researched on and learnt about.
Who are they?
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organisation dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the root causes of poverty and injustice. Working in nearly 100 countries around the world, they serve all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender.
How can we help?
There are many ways that we can donate, here are some of them:
- Sponsor a child (for $45 per month)
- Purchase gifts from their gift catalogs (One time payment of $35 to feed 3 malnourished kids in Myanmar)
- Donate specifically to disaster response funds (starting from $29 per month)
(2) Wildlife Reserves Singapore
Who are they?
Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS) is dedicated to the management of world-leading zoological institutions - Jurong Bird Park, Night Safari, River Safari and Singapore Zoo - that aim to inspire people to value and conserve biodiversity by providing meaningful and memorable wildlife experiences.
A self-funded organisation, WRS focuses on protecting biodiversity in Singapore and Southeast Asia through collaborations with like-minded partners, organisations and institutions. Each year, the four attractions welcome 4.6 million visitors.
How can we help?
- We can volunteer our time to be a docent. Docents are stationed at various locations in our parks to interact with guests so that the latter can enjoy meaningful and memorable wildlife experiences. Through sharing of interesting animal facts, stories and anecdotes, docents help to engage and inspire our guests to care for wildlife.
- We can also do a micro sponsorship, where we can pledge an amount in support of animals under WRS's care.
(3) Singapore Children's Society
Who are they?
Singapore Children's Society protects and nurtures children and youth of all races and religions. In 2018, the Society reached out to 78,433 children, youth and families in need. Established in 1952, its services have evolved to meet the changing needs of children.
Today, Children's Society operates 12 service centres islandwide, offering services in the four categories of: Vulnerable Children and Youth, Children and Youth Services, Family Services, and Research and Advocacy.
How can we help?
- We can volunteer our time as there are vacancies for volunteer work
- We can make a donation directly or through giving.sg. Every contribution you give, big or small, will make a difference in the lives of our beneficiaries.
(4) Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA)
Who are they?
The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) is a registered animal welfare charity with IPC status. The SPCA is not a government agency. They rely on donations from our supporters to continue our important role as animal protector.
Over $3,200,000 annually is required to carry out their animal welfare work.
They receive around 150 pets and stray animals every month. This figure includes lost dogs which are all checked for microchips and advertised in the press in an effort to locate their owners.
How can we help?
- We can volunteer our time to help out as animal shelter helper, public relations, dog walker etc.
- We can be a foster parent to the animals
- We can sponsor a dog or cat
- We can donate to their general fund to support them in their continued efforts to support their meaningful work
And just some last words, when giving, let's remember that NO AMOUNT IS EVER TOO SMALL and it truly is the collective effort of small efforts that makes a BIG change.
Let's Live Simply, Love Generously and Learn Constantly.
Disclaimer: While the Information is considered to be true and correct at the date of publication, changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact on the accuracy of the Information. Please refer to individual websites as shown. Also, with the Covid-19 situation, do call and contact the individual organisations on available volunteering opportunities instead.