In a world where income and class divisions are apparent and ongoing problems, the smallest kind act can go a long way. One such kind act can be volunteering. Volunteering refers to the act of dedicating your time and effort to the benefit of another’s wellbeing.
Why Is It Important To Volunteer?
According to a news report published by the BBC, it is estimated that about 400,000 Singaporeans live with less than 5 dollars a day after paying for essentials such as utilities, rent and healthcare. That is nearly a tenth of our population, living in subpar conditions. On top of poverty, a survey done by MOM reports that only 3 out of 10 people with disabilities of working age are employed. This means that nearly 70 percent of people with disabilities in Singapore struggle to find jobs and means of income.
These statistics are disheartening but fortunately, Singaporeans are people of warm hearts with generous spirits. Volunteering allows people to give back to their communities and reach out a helping hand to those in need. Donations and financial aids are very helpful but there is no replacement for genuine human contact and concern. Volunteering allows people to interact directly with those who have trouble socializing as we do, dedicating their time to make someone else’s day a little brighter.
Why Should You Volunteer?
Connects You To Others
Humans are a social species and we are compelled to socialize for our physical and mental wellbeing. Volunteering is a great way to meet new people and forge meaningful relationships. Being a volunteer allows you to be connected to people from all walks of life. Interacting and conversing with them can be eye-opening and educational as you learn more about life outside of your comfort zone. Making new friends can also be beneficial in improving your social and interpersonal skills, which contribute greatly to bettering you as a person.
Good For Your Mind, Body And Soul
Anxiety And Stress Relief
Volunteering has been said to combat the feelings of stress and anxiety in people. While volunteering, you focus your time and energy on benefiting someone else. This allows you to take some time off from dwelling on anxious thoughts or difficult situations. The meaningful connections you forge while volunteering, warms the heart and eases the stresses in your body, allowing you to relax and appreciate the things around you.
Helps With Depression
Studies have shown that volunteering does wonders for your mental health. People with depression have responded particularity well to being a volunteer. When you make a commitment to be a volunteer, you are making yourself accountable to the organization you are attached to. This helps people form a routine in their lives and that gives them a structure to follow. When someone is depressed, mustering the motivation to get through the day can be difficult. A regular routine helps to motivate them to perform the tasks that they need to, when they need to. A routine that involves interacting with people regularly keeps them from isolating themselves, exposing them to a strong support system that can help get through their day. Using their time to help and put a smile on someone’s face may also inject some happiness into their lives.
Keeps You Physically Healthy
Volunteering not only heals the mind and soul, but also keeps people physically active and on the go. Travelling, walking around and moving constantly can particularly benefit older volunteers who may not have the energy to exercise regularly. Volunteering gives them opportunities to be mildly active on a regular basis, benefiting both their physical and mental health.
Gives You Satisfaction And Fulfilment
Volunteering is an amazing way to try out new ventures without any long term commitment or obligations. It can be a way for you to engage in your hobbies in a meaningful way. If you enjoy a certain activity, try volunteering at organizations where your interests can benefit others too. Love animals? Volunteer at an animal shelter and spend your time giving love to abandoned puppies. Are you a good cook? If you are, why not volunteer your time to feed people who cannot afford to feed themselves? Making your hobbies meaningful can be a very fulfilling way to spend your time.
Learn New Skills
Although volunteering is different from a paid job, you can still learn a lot from your experience. Volunteering allows you to be in close contact with industry professionals in a slightly informal setting, without the constraints of contractual obligations and long term commitments. You can learn more about the industry you wish to establish a career in by spending quality time there as a volunteer. You can even start out brand new in a completely new field and slowly gain experience and knowledge through volunteering, steadily building your portfolio. Your volunteering experience may also develop into internship opportunities if the organization you are working with recognizes your efforts and finds your skills valuable.
Most importantly, volunteering gives you a multitude of soft skills that are highly sought after by the working world. You will improve your problem-solving skills, initiative, leadership skills as well as effective communication skills just by volunteering regularly. In the long run, volunteering makes you a better person both career wise and personality wise. That is what makes it such an enriching activity.
Make The Most Out Of Your Experience
Most of the benefits we have discussed in this article may seem geared towards the volunteer but never forget that the main goal of volunteering is to help others. So, make the most out of your experience. Ask questions and be proactive. Take initiative and suggest actions that may help more. Do not be afraid to be who are and share your best self with the people you wish to volunteer with. Best of all, perform every task with a smile on your face, so you can make someone else’s day just a little brighter. We have taken to liberty to compile a list of the top volunteering opportunities in Singapore for your perusal. Sign up as a volunteer and make someone’s day today!
Organization |
Singapore Association for the Deaf |
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Details |
Established in 1955, the Singapore Association for the Deaf (SADeaf) has been serving the Deaf and Hard-of-hearing community for the past six decades. SADeaf is a member of the National Council of Social Service (NCSS), and is supported by Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF) and Ministry of Education (MOE). |
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Address |
227 Mountbatten Road Singapore 397998 |
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Telephone |
+65 6344 8274 |
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Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) |
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Details |
The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) is a non-governmental, registered animal welfare charity with IPC status. |
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Address |
50 Sungei Tengah Road Singapore 699012 |
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Telephone |
+65 6287 5355 |
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Oasis Second Chance Animal Shelter |
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Oasis Second Chance Animal Shelter (OSCAS) is a charity and non-profit dog shelter that has been in existence since 2006. All the dogs in the shelter are mongrels rescued from the streets or from being culled. |
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Address |
59 Sungei Tengah Road Block R, #01-33, The Animal Lodge, 699014 |
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Animal Lovers League Singapore |
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Details |
Animal Lovers League (ALL) is a registered charity and home to over 500 dogs and cats, and the animals under their care consist of vagrant strays, abandoned, traumatised, abused and rescued animals. ALL is strictly no-kill. ALL aims to encourage the public to adopt instead of buying animals, and endeavour to rejoin the animals at ALL with loving and committed families. |
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https://www.animalloversleague.com/volunteer |
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Address |
The Animal Lodge 59 Sungei Tengah Road Block Q #01-29 |
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Telephone |
+65 6755 1424 |
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Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (ACRES) |
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Details |
Animal Concerns Research and Education Society is a non-governmental organization and a registered animal welfare charity with the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth in Singapore |
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https://acres.org.sg/volunteer/volunteer-with-us/ |
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Address |
91 Jalan Lekar Singapore 698917 |
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Telephone |
+65 9783 7782 |
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Organization |
Grace Orchard School |
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Details |
Grace Orchard School caters to students who have been diagnosed with Mild Intellectual Disability (MID) and those with Mild Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). The school is specifically for students ranging from 7-18 years old who have Intellectual Quotient (IQ) which falls within the range of 50-70. Grace Orchard School (GOS) is an initiative of True Grace Presbyterian Church and Providence Presbyterian Church. The school is a Voluntary Welfare Organization (VWO) operating under the umbrella of Presbyterian Community Services (PCS) and is funded by both the Ministry of Education (MOE) and the National Council of Social Service (NCSS). |
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Address |
6A Jurong West St 52 Singapore 649297 |
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Telephone |
+65 6561 9128 |
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Lions Befrienders |
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Details |
Lions Befrienders Service Association (Singapore), a Social Service Agency, was formed in 1995 by the Lions Clubs of Singapore and a Lions District Project. Our mission is to provide friendship and care for seniors to age in place with community participation, enabling them to enjoy meaningful and enriching lives. |
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https://www.lionsbefrienders.org.sg/get-involved/be-a-volunteer-befriender-3/ |
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Address |
130 Bukit Merah View, #01- 358, Singapore 150130 |
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Telephone |
1800 375 8600 |
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Singapore Children’s Society |
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Details |
Singapore Children’s Society protects and nurtures children and youth of all races and religions. In 2019, the Society reached out to 66,966 children, youth and families in need. Established in 1952, its services have evolved to meet the changing needs of children. Today, Children’s Society operates 12 service centres island wide, offering services in the four categories of: Vulnerable Children and Youth, Children and Youth Services, Family Services, and Research and Advocacy. |
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Volunteer Programmes |
Click here to view volunteer vacancies. |
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Website |
https://www.childrensociety.org.sg/volunteer-join |
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Address |
298 Tiong Bahru Road #09-05 Central Plaza Singapore 168730 |
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Telephone |
+65 6273 2010 |
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Organization |
Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped |
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Details |
The Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped (SAVH), formerly known as the Singapore Association for the Blind (SAB), is the national voluntary welfare organization for the visually impaired. Founded in 1951, the association is affiliated to the National Council of Social Service (NCSS) and is an approved Institution of a Public Character (IPC). |
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Address |
47 Toa Payoh Rise Singapore 298104 |
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Telephone |
+65 6251 4331 |
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Organization |
Make-A-Wish Foundation |
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Details |
Make-A-Wish Singapore is part of the world’s largest wish granting organization and the only wish granting organization of its kind in Singapore. It was born from the transformational effects of a wish on the wider community, where our founders pledged to ‘share the power of a wish’. The Singapore affiliate started our amazing journey in March 2002 and to date, have granted over 1,500 wishes. |
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Website |
https://makeawish.org.sg/support-us/#volunteer |
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Address |
1 Coleman Street #04-18 The Adelphi Singapore 179803 |
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Telephone |
+65 6334 WISH(9474) |
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Organization |
Singapore Indian Development Association (SINDA) |
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Details |
The Singapore Indian Development Association (SINDA) is a Self Help Group established in 1991 to uplift the socio-economic status of the Indian community in Singapore. With its primary focus on education, SINDA aims to raise the academic performance of Indian students and youth through tutorials, enrichment and motivation. In addition, it also offers a wide range of services to support parents and help families in need. |
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Address |
1 Beatty Road Singapore 209943 |
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Telephone |
1800 295 3333 |
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Organization |
Humanitarian Organisation for Migration Economics (HOME) |
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Details |
Humanitarian Organization for Migration Economics [“H.O.M.E.”] is a Singapore-based charity founded in 2004. HOME is dedicated to empowering and supporting migrant workers who find themselves victims of human rights violations and suffer abuse and exploitation. We provide immediate crisis intervention as well as long-term support such as education and training programmes to achieve our goal of enhancing the wellbeing and future economic prospects of migrant workers. HOME also seeks to promote the diverse voices of migrant workers in Singapore through outreach projects, and public education on issues affecting them. Three pillars guide us: Welfare, Empowerment and Advocacy. |
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Address |
111 North Bridge Road #05-22, Peninsula Plaza, 179098 |
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Telephone |
+65 6337 0282 |
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Youth Corps Singapore |
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Details |
Youth Corps Singapore provides the breadth and depth of volunteering opportunities for youths through ad-hoc, regular and project-based service projects, with a focus on reaching out to causes such as education, environment, health, special needs, arts, sports and heritage. Regardless of your skill sets, we provide ample opportunities for you to hone your skills, and develop new skills. You will also meet like-minded youths who are passionate about serving the community. |
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Volunteer Programmes |
Click here to view volunteer opportunities. |
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Address |
113 The Red Box Somerset Road 238165 |
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Telephone |
+65 6908 2500 |
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Beyond Social Services |
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Beyond Social Services is a charity dedicated to helping children and youths from less privileged backgrounds break away from the poverty cycle. We provide guidance, care and resources that enable families and communities to keep their young people in school and out of trouble. |
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Address |
26 Jalan Klinik #01-42/52 Singapore 160026 |
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Telephone |
+65 6375 2940 |
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Organization |
Movement for the Intellectually Disabled Singapore (MINDS) |
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Details |
Forged by a commitment to provide equal opportunities for every individual with special needs, MINDS was founded by a group of philanthropists to provide education for children with intellectual disabilities. With just 26 children, a school was set up in a classroom at Towner Road. Since its humble beginnings in 1962, it has grown to be one of the largest and oldest social service agencies caring for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families. |
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Website |
https://www.minds.org.sg/volunteer/ |
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Address |
800 Margaret Drive, Singapore 149310 |
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Telephone |
+65 6479 5655 |
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Organization |
Yayasan Mendaki |
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Details |
Formed on 10 October 1982, Yayasan MENDAKI (Council for the Development of Singapore Malay/Muslim Community) is a pioneer Self-Help Group in Singapore. Its programmes assist students and individuals with education and training, helping to uplift the Malay/Muslim community’s educational performance and develop its resilience and adaptability. |
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Volunteer Programmes |
Click here to view volunteer opportunities. |
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Address |
51 Kee Sun Ave, Singapore 457056 |
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Telephone |
+65 6245 5795 |
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Organization |
Club Rainbow |
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Details |
The history of Club Rainbow (Singapore) dates back to 1991 when the Rotaract Clubs of Singapore came together to organise a special camp for children with various chronic and life-threatening illnesses. |
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Address |
Blk 538 Upper Cross Street #05-263/269 Singapore 050538 |
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Telephone |
+65 6377 1789 |
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Organization |
Singapore Council of Women’s Organisations |
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Details |
The Singapore Council of Women’s Organisations (SCWO) was established in 1980 as the National Coordinating body of women’s organisations in Singapore. SCWO has more than 50 member organisations, which represent over 500,000 women, and it serves to unite them to work toward ideals of ‘Equal Space, Equal Voice and Equal Worth’ for women in Singapore. SCWO is represented on various government and inter-ministry committees, as well as regional and international bodies where it contributes views in the areas of family, women, and gender equality. |
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Address |
96 Waterloo St, Singapore 187967 |
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Telephone |
+65 6837 0611 |
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Organization |
Food From The Heart |
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Details |
Food from the Heart is a IPC-status food charity that feeds the needy in Singapore. Our food distribution programmes are run with sustainable charity in mind. This means that we are committed to providing continued food security to our beneficiaries for as long as they need it. |
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Volunteer Programmes |
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Website |
https://www.foodfromtheheart.sg/tour/individual-volunteer/sign-up.php |
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Address |
130 Joo Seng Road #03-01 Singapore 368357 |
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Telephone |
+65 6280 4483 |
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Organization |
Habitat for Humanity |
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Details |
At Habitat for Humanity Singapore, we build decent homes across Asia-Pacific and rehabilitate flats in Singapore for vulnerable families. |
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Website |
https://www.habitat.org.sg/volunteer |
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Address |
56 Lorong 23 Geylang Century Technology Building, #05-00 Singapore 388381 |
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Telephone |
+65 6744 7326 |
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Editor’s Note:
While every precaution has been made to ensure the accuracy and fairness of this listing, we acknowledge that they may be inaccuracies. Therefore, we urge you to contact the service provider above for the correct information and/or contact us with the correct information.
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