Ways to give back this Christmas
We’re now knee deep into the year end festivities, with frosty decorations everywhere and Christmas carols on blast. As we spread the festive cheer, it’s also the perfect time to celebrate the joys of giving.
From sustainable gifting to helping animals in need, here are 7 ways you can do good this Christmas time. You can bet that they’re just as satisfying as receiving presents that you’ve wished hard for.
1. Support local & home bakeries
Image credit: @tiposhomebakes
Food is the heart of every party, and hosts can switch things up by getting desserts from local shops that donate to charity – such as Flor Patisserie who work with Chen Su Lan Methodist Children’s Home to sponsor birthday cakes to the underprivileged children. You can also support small home bakeries like @tiposhomebakes for trendy mini bento cakes.
Image credit: @galangalkitchen
Those looking for more substantial options can go for local home kitchens to supply the grub for your gatherings. For example, you can get traditional dishes such as kueh pie tee or dry laksa from @galangalkitchen that’ll leave your guests happy with a satisfied belly.
2. Reuse old materials for present wrapping
Image credit: Freepik
Gift giving is no doubt a huge part of the festive season. Before you head out to the nearby crafts store to get gift wrapping supplies, look into your cupboards for items that can be reused. Trust me, you don’t need to be Einstein to come up with easy upcycling ideas.
One easy way would be upcycling paper bags as wrapping paper. These bags typically come with unprinted insides, so all you have to do is cut the sides of the bag to get a flat piece of paper. Lay your gift in the middle and fold the corners of the bag so it completely covers your gift. If you have any old hair ties lying around, reuse them as ribbons to seal your present.
3. Thrift a sustainable Christmas wardrobe
Let’s be real – parties are an excuse to shop for new ‘fits. Instead of hitting up your usual fast fashion stores, get your “new” clothes from thrift stores such as Cherry Thrift Shop and Ashitagaaru instead. And yes, these are both conveniently located in Peninsula Plaza. Not only will you get a totes unique outfit, but you’ll also save tonnes of money.
4. Be a personal shopper for beneficiaries
If shopping is your cardio, you’ll want to check out SAFRA’s Let’s Gift For A Reason 2022, one of the SG Cares Giving Week’s Giving Hubs. Choose from the wishes of less privileged children displayed at any SAFRA club, and purchase the respective gifts. Then wrap them up, and submit the gifts to the same SAFRA club by 12th December.
Busy bees who don’t have the time to shop can show support to low-income families and elderly by purchasing a care bag at $20 too. The contents of the bag include daily essentials such as rice and vermicelli.
NTUC FairPrice is a member of the Company of Good.
Image credit: NVPC
Or, check out the Boys’ Brigade Share-A-Gift Donation Booths from now till 31st December. Physical donation booths will be set up at AMK and Jurong Point’s FairPrice, and Bedok Mall and Thomson Plaza’s FairPrice Finest. Simply scan the QR codes available to make cash donations, or purchase food hampers that will be gifted to select beneficiaries.
5. Shop for presents from fundraising brands
Image credit: GRAIN
From 1st-7th December, there will be various activities happening as part of SG Cares Giving Week’s Everyday Giving which you can take part in and give back to society. You can also shop from these brands that are members of the Company of Good, who will be portioning their profits to help those in need.
Help GRAIN in providing meals to underprivileged children and seniors by donating to the Give Store. You’ll get a small token of appreciation in return – think a hole puncher or a spatula.
2019’s Giving Tree filled with wishes from the beneficiaries.
Image credit: Motherswork Baby & Kids
There’s also Motherswork’s Giving Tree initiative where your purchased shopping mall or Motherswork vouchers will go to the beneficiaries from HCSA Community Services, Babes Pregnancy Crisis Support and the Down Syndrome Association (Singapore).
The silicone catch-bib from hello little chompers (left) and desk calendar from The Commandment Co. (right).
Image adapted from: hello little chompers, The Commandment Co.
Prep for 2023 by getting a desk calendar from The Commandment Co. as they’ll be donating 10% of their profit from the Thrive and Flourish calendars to Homeless Hearts of Singapore. Or, get your baby essentials from hello little chompers, who are pledging a dollar to the School Goodie Bag programme by Food from the Heart for every piece of baby mealware sold.
6. Be an animal benefactor
For those looking for a furbaby to call your own, consider adopting instead of shopping from breeders. Places such as Cat Welfare Society have a slew of cats waiting to go to their forever homes. But of course, with every pet comes a lifetime of responsibility – so only commit to this if you’re able to.
Even if you don’t have the capacity to house a pet, you can also contribute by donating instead. Some animal welfare groups include ACRES that helps local wildlife, and Animal Lovers League that takes in both cats and dogs.
7. Donate blood at a blood donation drive
Image credit: The Smart Local
This one might make some queasy. But if you’re looking for something different to do this Christmas, give the gift of life and donate your blood.
There are upcoming blood donation drives happening at Community Centres (CC) such as Senja-Cashew CC, or you can catch the Bloodmobile drive by the Singapore Red Cross. All you have to do is ensure that you’re a valid donor, head down to your preferred site and sign up.
Do good this Christmas 2022
Good deeds often come with the connotation of having to go the extra mile. But with ongoing events such as SG Cares Giving Week, held in support of Forward SG and jointly organised by National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre, National Council of Social Service, and SG Cares Office, it’s plenty easy to inject a lil’ altruism into our Christmas celebrations.
And if you still need some motivation, you can also snag exclusive SG Cares Giving Week x Sharity Plushies. Simply complete all 3 activities listed on the SG Cares Giving Week website from now till 18th December to redeem. You can follow their Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for more updates too.
Learn more about SG Cares Giving Week
This post was brought to you by SG Cares Giving Week.
Cover image adapted from: Flor Patisserie, Freepik
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