The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately and adversely affected our foreign migrant workers, who have been instrumental in the construction of our urban landscape for many decades. 

As we approach our 55th national day, it is worth remembering that much of our built environment and beautiful skyline is attributed to these brave individuals who have left their families and friends behind to work in harsh construction and manual labour environments, often exposing themselves to risk of injury or fatality. 

To demonstrate our appreciation for and solidarity with these important members of our community, we are proposing to raise $33,173.31 from civic-minded individuals in a bid to bring some cheer to them, amidst their lockdown in their dormitories/ accommodation premises. 

I am a private individual currently working with my brother who is a supplier of Singapore-themed apparel, who has agreed to provide:

1. Singapore-themed T-shirts at the cost price of US$0.90 (approximately S$1.30) each; and 
2. Singapore-themed tote bags at the cost price of US$0.95 (approximately S$1.37 each)

All amounts are welcome and all funds raised will go towards purchasing and supplying our foreign workers with unique, sprightly T-shirts and tote bags, bursting with colour, energy and the positivity that often accompany our National Day celebrations every August. 

The T-shirts come in varying sizes and designs and the tote bags come in 2 distinctive designs.

How will the funds be used

The proceeds of this fundraiser will be received by Ray of Hope to be paid out to the supplier of the T-shirts and tote bags at the end of the campaign. We have commenced discussions with several dormitories and will expand to others while the fundraising campaign is ongoing to determine the ideal distribution method, depending on the needs of each dormitory. 

Thus far, we have consulted with the Assistant Director of Operations at MES Group, who has kindly provided the population estimates of their following dormitories, which we will be working with for our campaign, subject to the aggregate funds raised.

Contacted dormitories

Based on the above contacted dormitories, the table below describes the total funds raising required for each of the contacted dormitories (all figures shown are in Singapore dollars)

Based on the dormitories already contacted, we will require minimum funds raised of S$33,173.31 for the T-shirts and Tote bags. As we only have access to 8,000 tote bags, we will only be providing them to the Blue Star and Leo Dormitories due to their population size. If we are unable to hit the target of $33,173.31, we continue to purchase the items but may not be able to provide to all the dormitories listed above. 

For the avoidance of doubt, no money is given to or received by the private individuals. Any funds not used to procure the T-shirts and tote bags will remain with Ray of Hope for disbursement to their Emergency Fund for individual beneficiaries. 

For further queries, please email me at neha.p.vasandani@gmail.com.

About Ray of Hope

100% of your donations to Ray of Hope go to people in need. We do not take a cut from the funds. We even cover 3rd party credit card charges that other crowdfunding platforms deduct from your donation for campaigns.

100% of all campaigns are also fully verified, so you know your funds go to real people with real needs.

We take donor accountability very seriously – with yearly audited accounts and strong governance in place to ensure that your donations are properly channeled to the beneficiaries.

Ray of Hope is a registered charity and a member of the National Council of Social Services.