As we huddle up in the safety of our homes with the newly-imposed Circuit Breaker measures, we shouldn’t forget about the vulnerable segments of society. During these difficult times, donations to charities have fallen by as much as 60%, while prices of essentials have increased.
To show solidarity with our healthcare workers, less-privileged families and migrant workers, here are 11 ways you can help out during COVID-19 in Singapore.
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Image credit: Home Nursing Foundation
Some of us might complain about the boredom of staying in the safety of our houses, but our heroic frontline medical staff are risking themselves during this period to deal with the spread of COVID-19.
Apart from nurses in hospitals, nurses serving in other fields like making essential home calls and serving in nursing homes have also been affected by the spread of COVID-19 and the enhanced Circuit Breaker measures in Singapore.
Ways to give back:
Image credit: Food from the Heart
The hundreds of dollars we will receive from the government during this trying period is essential for many households affected by salary cuts and job losses. But for many of us, we might be able to even save some money from staying in for the weeks ahead.
If you’re able to spare a portion of the Solidarity Budget payouts, consider using it to ensure the less privileged are able to get their next meal.
Ways to give back:
Image credit: SSVP
Children are one of the most affected by the rising costs in this period. To support children in needy families, make a donation to the following charities.
Ways to give back:
Image credit: Singapore Red Cross
Not only have cash donations and volunteer sessions been affected by the Circuit Breaker measures – blood reserves are also dwindling. If you are blessed to be in the pink of health, make an appointment with the Singapore Red Cross and head to the nearest blood bank.
Ways to give back:
Image credit: @touch_international via Instagram
Purchasing masks, hand sanitisers and thermometers might be well within the means of most households, but many others living from paycheck to paycheck might struggle to prioritise hygiene. Others are more vulnerable to the coronavirus, and need additional resources to keep safe.
Ways to give back:
During this Circuit Breaker period, most counselling centres are providing sessions via phone or video call.
Image credit: Singapore Association for Counselling via Facebook
Being forced to stay at home can take its toll on mental health. For many who are already living alone or have pre-existing conditions, the social isolation caused by the Circuit Breaker measures might aggravate their mental health.
Ways to give back:
Operations at Food from the Heart will carry on during the COVID-19 Circuit Breaker period.
Image credit: Food from the Heart (Singapore) via Facebook
Food purchase limits imposed due to panic buying have made it difficult for some charities to obtain the necessary food items for their beneficiaries. If you have a stock of dry food, canned food and beverages, pass them on to those who need them so much more.
Ways to give back:
Donated laptops are repaired and processed before being passed on to beneficiaries
Image credit: Engineering Good via Facebook
As our schools and workplaces shut down, many of us easily resume our face-to-face conversations on our phones, and continue earning a salary as we work-from-home on our computers.
For the less privileged without the same access to laptops and technology, COVID-19 Circuit Breaker measures can be especially punishing. Some children have to share old devices to continue attending classes, while adults struggle to find employment in non-essential sectors. Your old electronic devices that could have been tossed without a second thought might make a difference in someone’s life.
Ways to give back:
Image credit: HealthServe
With the international spread of COVID-19, masks and sanitisers are in short supply. If your company is working from home, and your office is left with stockpiles of masks, hand sanitisers and detergents that are not being used, do your part to ensure everyone is protected.
Ways to give back:
Image credit: Touhidur Rahman via Google Maps
COVID-19 infections have skyrocketed recently after new clusters emerged in tightly-packed migrant workers dormitories. With tens of thousands of residents in lockdown, we should do our part to help our valued guests get access to food, sanitisation supplies, mental health resources and financial assistance.
Ways to give back:
You can do your part by providing online tuition to underprivileged students
Image credit: @theannexeproject via Instagram
With all its merits, our educational system in Singapore is still highly competitive and many underprivileged students struggle to keep up. If you have the qualifications and the passion, you can volunteer to tutor these students online to make sure they’re up to speed with the curriculum.
Ways to give back:
For most of us, staying safe at home is a privilege. As we join forces to fight the spread of COVID-19, let’s not forget the less privileged and do our part to appreciate, donate and provide our services to these communities.
Check out our other articles on how to give back to society in Singapore:
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