Sowing Care Together Ramadan Charity & Volunteerism is an annual initiative by the Hope Initiative Alliance (HIA) dedicated to serving underserved communities in Singapore. Launched in 2023, the initiative has gained momentum with support from faith-based organizations, corporates, and civil society groups.
In 2024, HIA’s social movements—Sowing Care Together (SCT) and The Alphabet Project (TAP)—are once again distributing over 150 rice packs and assorted goodies to lower-income families living in public rental housing, particularly those with children aged 4-12 years. The primary goal of this Ramadan charity effort is to connect with recipient families, understand their needs, and support the development of their children.
On April 6, 2024, more than 30 dedicated volunteers distributed rice packs and Hari Raya goodies to 120 families residing in rental housing in Sembawang, Woodlands, and Kreta Ayer. The volunteers went beyond mere distribution by befriending the families, checking on their well-being, and understanding their welfare needs. This was made possible thanks to the invaluable support from donors and partners, including Pagi Sore Indonesian Restaurant, Ayam Penyet President, The Oddle Company Cooking Art, Sammon, SowCare, Bible Society, SINDA Youth Club, IMYouth, The24asia, Ministry of Social and Family Development Social Service Offices @ Kreta Ayer, Bukit Merah, Woodlands, and Sembawang, as well as individuals such as YS Goh and Chef Park.
Additionally, this activity provided volunteers with valuable befriending experience, encouraging them to consider a regular commitment to supporting social service organizations in Singapore. This aligns with HIA’s commitment to supporting the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) Community Link (ComLink) programme, which aims to engage 4,000 volunteers.
Under the ComLink befriending programme, volunteers reach out to and understand the needs of families with children living in rental flats. They organize and support community programs and build supportive relationships with these families.
Initially piloted by MSF in 2019 in four areas—Boon Lay, Marsiling, Kembangan-Chai Chee, and Jalan Kukoh—the programme is now set to expand to 21 communities to extend support to more families.
As of March 2023, approximately 760 volunteer befrienders were engaged with around 3,500 families. With the addition of 4,000 new volunteers, MSF anticipates extending assistance to a total of 14,000 families.
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