Instilling the value of helping others in our children is crucial, and Singapore offers numerous opportunities for kids to engage in volunteering. Real experiences have a profound impact on children's understanding and ability to make a difference.
In this article, we will explore some philanthropic organisations, charities, and orphanages in Singapore that your children can support. The activities focus on causes such as feeding the poor, promoting health, supporting the elderly, alleviating poverty, and education and welfare.
1. Feeding the Poor: Food Bank Juniors Club
Food Bank Singapore aims to fight hunger and reduce food waste by accepting food donations from charities and soup kitchens.
The Food Bank Juniors Club welcomes young volunteers aged five to twelve, providing them with the opportunity to help at the warehouse and learn about Singapore's hunger and food waste issues.
2. Health: Riding for the Disabled Association Singapore (RDA)
The Riding for the Disabled Association Singapore (RDA) has been providing horse-riding therapy to children and adults with disabilities for over thirty years.
Volunteers, starting as side walkers, assist recipients as they enjoy therapeutic horse rides. This volunteering opportunity does not require prior horse experience, and volunteers must be at least sixteen years old.
3. Elderly Support: Lion Befrienders
With Singapore's growing elderly population, many seniors find themselves living alone or in nursing facilities. Lion Befrienders aims to alleviate their loneliness by facilitating social integration.
Volunteers can engage in activities at the centres, visit the elderly in their homes, and accompany them to medical appointments. Children under eighteen must be accompanied by an adult.
4. Poverty Alleviation: Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity offers various volunteering opportunities for children to contribute to poverty alleviation efforts.
Children can participate in tasks such as cleaning the homes of vulnerable individuals, neighbourhood clean-up drives, or fundraising. It is essential to review the age restrictions for each program before enrolling your children.
5. Education and Welfare: Club Rainbow
Club Rainbow supports children with chronic illnesses, providing them with the necessary programs and services. Young volunteers can offer their assistance and become mentors and friends to beneficiaries.
Commitment is essential when signing up, and children can also participate in ad hoc activities organized by the organisation.
Singapore presents an array of volunteering options for children to support non-profit organisations and charities.
By fostering empathy, compassion, and a sense of giving back, we empower our children to create a positive impact in the lives of others.
Let us inspire the next generation to embrace volunteerism and cultivate a future where kindness and altruism thrive in our communities.
Other institutions for volunteer work:
- New Life Stories - this organisation helps preschool education for the children of incarcerated mothers.
- Babes Pregnancy Crisis Support - they support teens who are pregnant and also accept donations.
- Sanctuary Care - provides foster care for children and support for families.
- Singapore Children’s Society - they protect and nurture children and youth of all races and religions.
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Giving Back: 11 Volunteering Opportunities In Singapore To Explore With The Kids