With Chinese New Year (CNY) on the horizon, what comes to mind is the abundance of food, the new clothes, and the joyous gatherings – all a display of wealth and fortune. Every year, we sit around a table with family and close friends, and dig into costly delicacies. These are but expected routines and traditions.
However, we forget that not everyone can afford such luxuries.
So while we’re about to celebrate this festive season, let us not forget the less fortunate, for whom these luxuries may not exist.
Here are 4 upcoming charity events that will make your CNY more meaningful this year.
1. AsiaMalls Food Collection & Distribution Initiative
In the spirit of inclusiveness, AsiaMalls has partnered Food from the Heart (FFTH) for a CNY food distribution initiative.
More than 150 volunteers will come together this month to pack and distribute over 500 bags of Chinese New Year goodies and AsiaMalls vouchers to the less privileged.
All food items will go towards supporting Food from the Heart’s 25,000 beneficiaries, especially those living in the surrounding areas of the malls.
Head on down to any of the malls below to donate goodies, volunteer to pack or distribute them!
Items to contribute include:
- Non-perishable food (Instant noodle, canned food etc.)
- Non-food grocery (Toiletries, detergent etc.)
- Condiments (Soy sauce, salt etc.)
- Instant beverages (Milo, coffee etc.)
AsiaMalls Food Collection and Distribution Initiative (in partnership with Food from the Heart)
Century Square: 13 – 19 Jan 2017, Level 1, opposite Universal Optical
Tampines 1: 13 – 19 Jan 2017, Level 1, opposite Sephora
Hougang Mall: 20 – 26 Jan 2017, Level 4, next to The Manhattan Fish Market
Tiong Bahru Plaza: 20 – 26 Jan 2017, Level 1, lift lobby.
Collection time: 11AM – 9PM, daily
2. Have A Reunion Lunch With Stay-Alone Seniors
The eve of every CNY sees members of the family, young and old, bond over a sumptuous meal that is the reunion dinner. But some seniors who live alone in rental flats don’t have anyone share this special occasion with.
GoodLife! Makan by Montfort Care is planning a charity CNY reunion luncheon for 80 to 100 stay-alone seniors in the Marine Terrace. There will also be games and activities, and a red packet for each senior for good health and luck in the new year.
Consider sharing a meal with these seniors in the afternoon before your own reunion dinner with family!
GoodLife! Makan
Address: 52 Marine Terrace, #01-189 Singapore 440052
Tel: 6702 0212
Email: [email protected]
3. Donate Your Pre-Loved Items To Salvation Army
While you’re in the midst of your CNY spring cleaning, don’t throw all your items out yet! Old clothes, toys, books, and even furniture can be given to someone who needs it more.
The Salvation Army is a good place to start. With more than 10 centres across Singapore, their programmes reach out to children and the aged who need care, families in material need, and other needy persons in society.
As long as they’re in good condition, drop your pre-loved items at any of their Redshield centres. Otherwise, if your item is bulky, like furniture or big appliances, you can arrange for collection at your doorstep.
The Salvation Army
Tel: (65) 6288 5438
Email: [email protected]
Address: 20 Bishan Street 22 Singapore 579768 (Open car park)
Operating Hours: Mon – Sun, 24 hours
Website
4. Make A Wish On The Chinatown Wishing Tree
This Wishing Tree in Chinatown isn’t just a place for you to scribble your Lunar New Year wishes and hang them up, but it actually fulfils the wishes of needy elderly in Singapore.
Scribble a wish on a “Make a Wish” card, throw it up onto the tree, and watch the gorgeous tree light up at night.
Each wishing card costs $2 and all proceeds will go to the Kreta Ayer Seniors’ Activity Centre.
You’ll be benefitting more than a thousand elderly members all year round by funding meal services, morning exercises, health screenings, and excursions.
Chinatown Wishing Tree
Date: 7 – 27 January 2017
Time: 11am – 9pm
Venue: Chinatown Point
Chinese New Year is surely a time for us to kick back and catch up with family and friends over good food, good cheer and togetherness. It’s all the more that we keep in mind those who do not have access to these things we take for granted, and play our part to make their lives just a little better.
(Header credit: Asia One)
Also, read 10 Activities To Do During Chinese New Year That Doesn’t Involve Empty Malls
