Hope Initiative Alliance (HIA), in partnership with Ramakrishna Mission Singapore, organised an interfaith charity iftar gathering on 18 April 2023. The event, held at Ramakrishna Mission’s Sarada Hall, brought together volunteers and community members from various faiths to promote unity and mutual support. Rev. Terry Kee, former President of the Inter-Religious Organisation in Singapore, attended as the Guest of Honour, joining a gathering of 100 attendees from different faith groups.
Swami Samachittananda, President of Ramakrishna Mission Singapore, and Rev. Ezekiel Tan, President of Hope Initiative Alliance, spoke to the attendees, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts between different religious groups and corporations. Their remarks highlighted the role of such initiatives in fostering social cohesion and promoting the common good in Singapore.
The iftar served around 50 families from the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) ComLink network and focused on beneficiaries of HIA's The Alphabet Project (TAP), which provides care to children aged 4 to 12 in need of social welfare support. During the event, attendees received Sowing Care Together Ramadan Care Gifts, including rice, food packs, and vouchers. The children also received Hari Raya green packets with a $50 cash gift.
The event was supported by partners, sponsors, and donors from religious groups, corporations, and civil-society organizations. Pagi Sore Indonesian Restaurant, 9s Seafood, Ayam Penyet President, The Meatry, and The Oddle Company donated 750kg of rice. PwC Singapore sponsored $50 NTUC vouchers. Additional contributions from Kabam, Dragnet, and other individuals supported the Hari Raya green packets for the children.
Guests from diverse religious backgrounds, including Hinduism, Jainism, Baha'i Faith, and Christianity, participated in the event. Volunteers from the Singapore Jain Religious Society, UPS Foundation, and HIA's Sowing Care Together Community served the meals.
A key moment of the evening was the recitation of the 𝘢𝘻𝘢𝘯, the Islamic call to prayer, by Ustaz Mulim Amad, Imam of Al-Muttaqin Mosque. This was the first time a community iftar included a live call to prayer within a Hindu welfare organization, underscoring the spirit of Ramadan and demonstrated the impact of unity and collective action in the community in Singapore.
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