Migrant workers play a huge role in building and maintaining the Singapore we know today, from constructing our homes and MRT lines to keeping essential services running behind the scenes. But despite their contributions, many still have to be careful with every dollar they earn. We recently got to know about a unique initiative that can help them.
Tucked away in Henderson Road is inspIRRe, Singapore’s first-ever free store for migrant workers. It lets them “shop” for essentials at no cost. Run by ItsRainingRaincoats, the store is stocked entirely through public donations and gives male migrant workers on Work Permits access to everyday necessities completely free of charge.
Image credit: Cruelline C via Google Maps
At inspIRRe, every item on the shelves is free.
Workers can browse through a wide range of donated essentials, from snacks and toiletries to backpacks, luggage, umbrellas, and footwear. Beyond daily necessities, the store also stocks higher-value items such as smartphones, laptops, power banks, charging cables, earbuds, and even kitchen appliances like rice cookers, kettles, and fans.
Image credit: @itsrainingraincoats via Instagram
There are also useful lifestyle items such as sports equipment, yoga mats, water bottles, notebooks, raincoats, and sunglasses. The idea is simple: give workers access to things they need without having to spend their hard-earned income on replacements.
Image credit: @itsrainingraincoats via Instagram
Before clearing out your storeroom, it’s worth noting that inspIRRe has a strict donation guide to ensure every item is useful and in good condition. As a rule of thumb, donate only items that you would personally continue using. Everything should be clean, fully functional, and free from defects, stains, rust, mould, or safety hazards.
Some of the most requested items include:
But take note that there are some items the organisation is currently not accepting. Men’s clothing donations have been temporarily paused, while furniture, televisions, large appliances, used undergarments, decorative items, and expired food are strictly rejected. When in doubt, you can always check their official donation guide.
You can drop off your items at the inspIRRe store from 10am-12.30pm and 1.30pm-5pm daily, except for Wednesdays and weekday public holidays. And if Henderson isn’t convenient, there are also satellite drop-off points in neighbourhoods such as Bedok Reservoir, Tampines, and Clementi. There’s a full list of drop-off points available, too.
Just remember to contact the volunteers running each location beforehand to arrange a suitable drop-off time.
Image credit: @itsrainingraincoats via Instagram
If you’d like to contribute beyond donating items, inspIRRe is also regularly looking for volunteers. Volunteers help with registering visitors, sorting donations, restocking shelves, and managing the checkout process. It’s an easy way to spend a few hours giving back while meeting fellow volunteers.
Image credit: Zoey Choy via Google Maps
The organisation releases volunteer sign-up slots monthly, with registration links typically made available on the 15th of the preceding month. June sign-ups are currently full – so keep an eye out on their website for next month’s.
Whether it’s a spare powerbank sitting in your drawer, an unused backpack, or a few packets of unopened snacks, small donations can go a long way for our migrant brothers.
And if you’re unable to donate, consider volunteering instead. Every item on the shelves at inspIRRe comes from someone in the community, and with continued support, the store can continue helping migrant workers access everyday essentials at no cost.
Address: 217 Henderson Road, #03-07, Singapore 159555
Opening hours: Thu-Tue 10am-12.30pm, 1.30pm-5pm (Closed on Wednesdays)
Contact: Its Raining Raincoats website
Cover image adapted from: @itsrainingraincoats via Instagram, Zoey Choy via Google Maps
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