If you’re looking at volunteering in Singapore, ANZA Action is for you. This charitable arm of our community offers members the chance to give back to our adopted home through fundraising and volunteering – and we’re always open to new opportunities!
The history of charitable activities in Singapore can be traced back to the arrival of Sir Stamford Raffles in 1819 and the foundation of modern Singapore. Indeed, despite the pandemic’s toll on life, Singapore continues to rank highly in the Southeast Asia region today for its philanthropic spirit. According to a recent report in The Straits Times, Singaporeans gave generously to charity throughout 2021. There were more than 4,800 fundraising campaigns on Giving.sg (an impressive 21 per cent jump from 2020), which provides plenty of inspiration.
As we re-enter a new normal, volunteering will rebound to suit the modern volunteer. “At ANZA Action we’re seeking less commitment, shorter term-based roles, and there are three primary areas in which you can give your time,” explains ANZA’s Community Service Coordinator, Debra de Reeper.
● Event based roles
Assist in fundraising campaigns or benefit events such as the yearly toy drive for LOVE, NILS who work to support children with cancer. Or maybe staff a fundraising booth for IC2 who support children with visual impairments
● Service based roles
Join organisations to provide services such as meal preparation and delivery, or aid the elderly in arts and crafts. Alternatively, play a game of mahjong with the Salvation Army or help out at Riding For The Disabled Association Singapore (RDA Singapore) assisting physically and mentally disabled children and young adults with horse riding therapy sessions (Hippotherapy). Lending your time and skills to youth sporting groups such as ANZA Soccer, Netball or Nippers is also a great way to get involved
● Skills-based volunteering
This is where you can use your knowledge and experience to support an organisation. For example, volunteer at styling sessions for Dressed for Success, use your research expertise to assist AIDHA in the fields of education, migration, gender and development, or join ANZA Knitters to make cute clothing for newborns
Sense of achievement
“We volunteer for many reasons,” says Debra. “These include a sense of giving back to the community, learning new skills, personal growth, a feeling of achievement and making a difference in people’s lives, and finally, for the social aspect of working together with peers.”
Whilst no one should ever pressure anyone to volunteer, know that in doing so you will reap as many benefits as the organisation you donate your time to. ANZA’s website (anza.org.sg) has a list of organisations in Singapore requiring volunteers, with links directly to their volunteer sign-up pages. Giving.sg and SG Cares also have sites showcasing volunteer jobs and events at giving.sg/virtual-volunteer and volunteer.gov.sg
