By now, most Singaporeans would have received their S$600 government payout to help them cope with the COVID-19 pandemic. But some individuals need them more than many of us. Because of this, many Singaporeans have come forward to donate their cash payout to online crowdfunding platforms that were set up to help out the disadvantaged, such as migrant workers hit by COVID-19.
Now, celebrities are coming forward as well. TV presenter Diana Ser and husband James Lye, a former Mediacorp actor, are using their influence to pay it forward.
Diana Ser Launches Charity Campaign with Hubby
Apart from donating their S$600 solidarity payout to the National Council of Social Service’s (NCSS) Invictus Fund that channels donations to vulnerable groups in Singapore, the couple has also gone the extra mile by launching a charity campaign to help raise funds for these vulnerable groups.
Diana Ser launches charity campaign with her husband, James Lye (in photo) with the help of long-time friend Jansen Siak. | Photo: dianaserlye / Instagram
Together with the help of Ser’s long-time friend in the public relations industry, Jansen Siak, an online website to host the #ShowWeCareSG campaign was created.
With donations starting from $10, 100% of the funds raised will go to 80 social services tending to the vulnerable elderly, families in need, children with special needs, youth-at-risk and persons with mental health conditions or disabilities.
The campaign has gone live since 15 April and will close on 14 May. And all donations will also be eligible for tax deduction, according to Ser’s husband.
Grew up in underprivileged family
After seeing many industries and families in face of an uncertain and worrying livelihood due to the pandemic, Ser said in an interview with Lianhe Wanbao that she hoped to contribute.
She also said that she could empathise with trying to make ends meet as she had grown up underprivileged.
As the eldest in the family, Ser had once seen her mother cry due to their circumstance. Her mum did not know how to feed Ser and her two siblings with only S$10 in her purse for the week.
Singapore Celebrities enlisted to help champion the cause
“The empty malls, shuttered shops and lone taxi drivers are stark reminders that everyone is hit by COVID-19, whether directly or indirectly. Very often, the least privileged are the hardest hit.” Ser wrote in her Instagram post.
Siak and Ser have also reached out to 80 local celebrities and personalities to help spread the word. They include Fann Wong, Christopher Lee, Michelle Chia, Cynthia Koh, Stephanie Sun and Andie Chen among others.
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Dear all, As we tackle this circuit breaking period together, I am thankful and grateful for the strong and resilient people that pop up in my feed. I find comfort in their positive outlooks and the heartfelt articles that guide us to find meaning and fortitude. Today, my ecosphere of the entertainment industry is in a quandary. Musicians, performers as well as all related services such as dancers, production teams, artiste management, stylists who rely on gigs and adhoc jobs find themselves jobless and incomes hard hit. Beyond my industry, there will be many many more affected. This will be especially so for lower income families with children and elderly, as well as the vulnerable disabled and single elderly. I will like to appeal to all Singaporeans to unite and give. Your assistance will be forwarded to 80 social services via The Invictus Fund, to those most in need. Those who can and are able, let us give. Majulah Singapura! ———— 亲爱的大家, 在这个阻断措施期间,让我们坚强及过得有意义。谢谢每一位鼓励人心的你我,传达更多的正能量。 今天我们的音乐圈子即将面临重大的考验。音乐老师们,表演者,舞者,企划组,艺人经纪,妆发服等相关;尤其是没有固定收入的都一片茫然, 工作遥遥无期。 除了娱乐圈,其他行业更受到各种动荡。最受打击的,将会是低收入家庭,尤其是有小孩跟年长的家庭。当然也包括残疾人士及精神病患。 我想呼吁所有新加坡人,团结热心募捐。你捐到The Invictus Fund的款项并会转发于80家社会服务组织,给最需要的人士。在这个时候,您的慷慨是他们最需要的动作。 Majulah Singapura! __________ The Invictus Fund through ComChest, supports 80 social service agencies. To donate, go to www.giving.sg/campaigns/_showwecaresg #ShowWeCareSG #SGUnited
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Here’s how you can donate to #ShowWeCareSG (ends 14 May)
Diana Ser launches charity campaign, #ShowWeCareSG | Photo: dianaserlye / Instagram
- Go to www.giving.sg/campaigns/_showwecaresg
- Create an account
- Choose or fill in your donation amount
- Click “Claim Tax Deduction”
- Choose your payment method
Your donation will be collected by Community Chest Singapore.
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