Giving back during Christmas 2024
It’s all about spreading joy when Xmas rolls around. While we should be doing this year-round, the festive season is a nice reminder to think about giving back to our community, not just friends and family within our circle. So, depending on whether you want your name on the naughty or nice list, here are ways to give back this Christmas.
Table of Contents
- Giving back during Christmas 2024
- – Donations to charities & social enterprises –
- 1. Merry Thriftmas Market
- 2. Support Community Chest & Singapore Red Cross at UOL Malls
- 3. SPCA Christmas Wishlist
- 4. Wish Upon A Christmas
- 5. Shop from Silk Flowers Singapore
- 6. Adopt-A-Wish Programme
- 7. Cluny Court Christmas Fair
- 8. Shop from Social Gifting Singapore
- 9. Gifting Hope, Empowering Dreams
- 10. Shop from Journey Special
- 11. Cotton On Foundation
- – Volunteering events –
- 12. Salvation Army Christmas Kettling
- 13. Volunteer with the #WishGranter team
- 14. The Great Singapore Give
- 15. CSC Christmas Volunteer Cheer
- 16. World Christmas Market
- 17. Make-A-Wish Singapore Santa Run
- 18. Bake for St. John’s – St. Margaret’s Nursing Home
- 19. ItsRainingRaincoats Christmas Drive
1. Merry Thriftmas Market
Make meaningful buys while Christmas thrifting
Image credit: @sgredcrossshop via Instagram
Shop meaningful and affordable gifts this Christmas at the Merry Thriftmas Market. Hosted by the Red Cross Shop, the market features booths selling pre-loved gems ranging from children’s toys to cute clothing. You can also find snacks and confectioneries, perfect for Christmas parties and gatherings.
Your purchase and all funds made during the bazaar will support the Singapore Red Cross’ local humanitarian work to help families in need, the elderly living alone, and people with disabilities.
Date: 11th December 2024
Time: 11am-7pm
Address: 15 Penang Lane, Singapore 238486
2. Support Community Chest & Singapore Red Cross at UOL Malls
Exchange rewards points for donations & wrap your gifts for a good cause
It truly is the season of giving over at UOL malls, and as such you’ll be able to make someone’s Christmas extra magical at KINEX, United Square, and Velocity@Novena Square. Shoppers who’ve racked up points on the U-POPP app (App Store | Google Play) by frequenting these malls can exchange 200 POPPoints for a $5 donation to Community Chest.
Image credit: UOL
Moreover, they can also make their way to festive gift wrapping booths stationed at these malls to have their presents wrapped beautifully from $1, and all proceeds will go to the Singapore Red Cross Society. They will be up and running from now till 24th December 2024 at these locations:
| Mall | Location |
| KINEX | Level 1, Main Atrium |
| United Square | Basement 1, next to McDonald’s |
| Velocity@Novena Square | Level 1, next to Customer Service Counter |
Learn more about doing good this Christmas at KINEX, United Square, and Velocity@Novena Square.
3. SPCA Christmas Wishlist
Provide supplies for fur babies at the shelter
Image credit: SPCA
Look out for the fur babies in need at SPCA. Under the Christmas Wishlist 2024 initiative, you can help the team create a better environment by donating necessities like food, dog toys, and medical supplies.
Simply choose what you’d like to sponsor, select a quantity, and pay according to the prices listed.
Make your donations to SPCA’s Christmas Wishlist 2024.
4. Wish Upon A Christmas
Purchase a teddy bear to support terminally ill patients
Image credit: @fairmontsingapore via Instagram
There’s nothing cuter than a Christmas teddy bear ($38), and you can now cop one for yourself and your friends for a good cause. This year, Fairmont Singapore has collaborated with Ambulance Wish Singapore for Wish Upon A Christmas, which aims to fulfil the final wishes of terminally ill patients.
All proceeds from the campaign will go to Ambulance Wish Singapore. You can get the teddy bear via the Fairmont At Home website or donate directly to the charity organisation to support its work and programmes.
Find out more about Wish Upon A Christmas.
Campaign period: Now till 7th January 2025
5. Shop from Silk Flowers Singapore
Plant a mangrove tree with every purchase
Image credit: @silkflowerssingapore via Instagram
Whether as a gift or centrepiece at Christmas parties, flowers are a forever classic. Instead of fresh ones that die in a week or two, Silk Flowers Singapore sells artificial silk flowers in large arrangements, medium-sized bouquets, and even single-stem flowers. The best part: You’ll be giving back to the environment.
The brand works with Hand Print and Seven Clean Seas, planting a mangrove tree for every order made and removing 1kg of plastic trash from the ocean with every 10 stems sold. Hence, even the most minor purchase contributes to sustainable shopping.
Shop for flowers from Silk Flower Singapore.
6. Adopt-A-Wish Programme
Surprise a kid & fulfil their Christmas wish
Image credit: @makeawishsingapore via Instagram
Spread the joyful spirit this Christmas with Adopt-A-Wish and grant a child’s Christmas wish. Support their dreams to travel overseas or fund practical requests like a study space or a new motorised wheelchair.
Donations start from as low as $3,700, so you can rally the support from your company, a club, and your friends. Choose the wish you’d like to grant and directly contribute to making a child’s wish come true.
Find out more about Adopt-A-Wish.
7. Cluny Court Christmas Fair
Snap a pic with Santa
Image credit: @clunycourt.sg via Instagram
Flying to the North Pole might seem far-fetched, but that doesn’t mean you won’t be able to meet Santa. Head down to the Cluny Court Christmas Fair for some last-minute shopping, and snap a pic with Santa while you’re at it.
The meet-and-greet is free and doesn’t require bookings. Donation boxes are placed around the fair and at Santa’s Grotto for shoppers to drop in whatever they can. All contributions from the fair go to the Autism Resource Centre (Singapore).
Christmas fair:
Date: 12th-15th Dec | 19th-22th Dec
Time: Thu-Sat 10am-7pm | Sun 10am-5pm
Address: 501 Bukit Timah Rd, Singapore 259760
Santa Meet-and-greet:
Date: 12th-15th Dec | 19th-22th Dec
Time: Thu-Sat 11am-6pm | Sun 11am-5pm
8. Shop from Social Gifting Singapore
Allow crafters to earn a passive income
You’ll be doing good by shopping for your gifts at Social Gifting Singapore. There are gifts for everyone, from graduation gifts to candles and fragrances, perfect whether you’re shopping for your mom, partner, or even colleagues.
What’s special is that the crafters behind the handicrafts are differently abled individuals with special needs or illnesses. Creating products helps empower these individuals in their daily lives, and your purchase helps them earn a passive income doing what they enjoy.
Shop for gifts from Social Gifting Singapore.
9. Gifting Hope, Empowering Dreams
Contribute towards counselling programs
Image credit: TOUCH Community Services
Listen to the stories of different individuals and help fulfil their dreams this Christmas. Gifting Hope, Empowering Dreams is a campaign organised by TOUCH Community Services to help children, seniors trying to regain independence, and special needs and healing individuals.
Donations raised help fund TOUCH Mental Wellness’ counselling programmes to help youths overcome mental challenges. You can donate anywhere from $30-$200 a month to support.
Find out more about Gifting Hope, Empowering Dreams.
Campaign period: Now till 31st January 2025
10. Shop from Journey Special
Shop unique handicrafts
Image credit: Journey Special
Journey Special isn’t to be missed if you’re looking for artistic and one-of-a-kind gifts. A Singaporean brand under TOUCH Community Services, it explores the creative talents of those with intellectual disabilities.
Products include stationeries, unique paintings, and handcrafted ceramic art. Patterns and drawings are made by the 70 artists behind the brand, and they earn an income from the sale of their artwork.
Shop from Journey Special.
11. Cotton On Foundation
Add a tote bag to your purchases
Image credit: @cottononfoundation via Instagram
Fans of the brand would know about the Cotton On Foundation. Whether you’ve been a frequent donor, now’s the time to make a difference this joyful season.
While at the counter, add a Christmas-themed tote bag ($5) or mints ($3) to your clothing purchases to contribute. All proceeds go towards supporting projects that help youths across the globe. Besides, you’ll also be practising sustainable shopping if you went with the cute tote bags.
Shop Cotton On Foundation in stores or from the Cotton On website.
– Volunteering events –
12. Salvation Army Christmas Kettling
Volunteer as a kettle bell ringer
If you’ve ever wondered about the ringing of bells and red kettle pots at certain shopping malls, that’s the Salvation Army, and they’re back with their annual Christmas Kettling. This year’s theme, “This Little Light”, invites the public to give back either as a donor or volunteer.
Look forward to tentative performances such as Christmas Carols and Children’s Books Storytelling. The Salvation Army is still looking for more kettle bell ringers, so don’t hesitate to sign up and give back to the community!
Sign up as a Kettle Bell Ringer.
Campaign period: Now till 21st December 2024
13. Volunteer with the #WishGranter team
Meet with the wish kids & their families
Image credit: Make-A-Wish SG via X
Join as a #WishGranter volunteer and be part of the Make-A-Wish team. You will help children with critical illnesses, their families, and the local community.
Sign up as a wish granter, where you’ll meet the kids and their families and act as the main point of contact between them and the Make-A-Wish staff. You can also join as a photo-video volunteer to help capture memorable moments at events and programmes.
Find out more about the #WishGranter team.
Application period: Now till 31st January 2025
14. The Great Singapore Give
Donate or volunteer to 10 different causes
Campaigns found on their website to donate to.
Screenshot from: giving.sg
Don’t worry if you missed your chance at SG Cares Giving Week. There’s still plenty of time to give back with the Great Singapore Give, which features over 140 online and IRL activities supporting 10 causes, from animals to overseas humanitarian aid.
The different campaigns are on the Giving.sg website. Depending on your interests, choose which ones you’d like to donate to or volunteer with.
Find out more about the Great Singapore Give.
Event period: Now till 28th February 2025
15. CSC Christmas Volunteer Cheer
Teach seniors arts & crafts
Image credit: Civil Service Club via Facebook
Those with a soft spot for the elderly can spend a morning with them at the Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital. Hosted by the Civil Service Club, the Christmas Volunteer Cheer event brings smiles to the seniors through an arts and crafts session and a Christmas Carol performance.
Existing members of the CSC can sign up as volunteers.
Date: 13th December 2024
Time: 8.30am-11am
Address: 705 Serangoon Road, Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital, Singapore 328127
16. World Christmas Market
Volunteer at an authentic Christmas Market
Image credit: @wcm.sg via Instagram
It’s a night filled with festivities at the World Christmas Market. If tickets to Europe are too expensive, you can still get in the festive spirit with family-friendly activities such as a Santa’s workshop, a Christmas tree farm, and a feast street with goodies like mulled wine and mince pies.
Make a difference by supporting charity organisations at the market. Epworth Community Services, Helping Joy, and Hope For Animals are among the beneficiaries they’re working with. You can also sign up as a volunteer to spread Christmas joy.
Find out more about the World Christmas Market.
Date: 5th-25th December 2024
Time: Mon-Thu 5pm-11pm | Fri-Sun 4pm-11pm
Address: 11 Marina Boulevard, The Promontory @ Marina Bay, Singapore 018940
17. Make-A-Wish Singapore Santa Run
Raise funds by running with friends
Image credit: @makeawishsingapore via Instagram
The annual Santa Race for Wishes, organised by Make-A-Wish Singapore, hopes to grant the wishes of children with critical illnesses.
This year’s event features a virtual race with a collective goal of 40,075km, so gather your friends and family to run together for a cause.
Find out more about Santa Race for Wishes.
Event period: 8th-31st December 2024
18. Bake for St. John’s – St. Margaret’s Nursing Home
Bake for the elderly at home or with them
Image credit: St. John’s – St. Margaret’s Nursing Home
Contribute as a volunteer to bake and cook for the elderly and staff of the St. John’s – St. Margaret’s Nursing Home. You can volunteer in various ways: either make the treats at home or join a team to visit the nursing home on a weekday to bake and cook with the residents.
If you aren’t one for cooking, consider joining as a delivery driver or helping fund the ingredients for upcoming sessions.
Find out more about volunteering at St. John’s – St. Margaret’s Nursing Home.
19. ItsRainingRaincoats Christmas Drive
Gift and wrap presents for migrant workers
Image credit: ItsRainingRaincoats
Here’s one to spread joy to our fellow migrant workers. They deserve all the love this season too, and you can play your part in ItsRainingRaincoats Christmas Drive.
There are multiple ways you can participate in this initiative. You can donate by dropping off wrapped presents like toiletries, dry foods, and gadgets or donate wrapping paper and decorative supplies. You can also join the team in wrapping the gifts and helping to deliver them to worksites.
Find out more about ItsRainingRaincoats Christmas Drive.
Event period: Now till 16th January 2025
Do your part to give back this Christmas 2024
Every action counts, no matter how big or small. Whether you’ve decided to donate cash or volunteer your time, know that you have contributed to the smiles and laughter of all those you’ve supported.
For more festive reads:
Cover image adapted from: St. John’s – St. Margaret’s Nursing Home, SPCA, ItsRainingRaincoats, @fairmontsingapore via Instagram
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