The Islamic holy month of Ramadan has begun. As our Muslim friends observe abstinence during the long daylight hours, this annual period of fasting also marks a time of giving as they are especially encouraged to do good. Besides partaking in a break fast feast with them at sundown, there are other ways Muslims and non-Muslims alike can show support, even lend a helping hand. From giving out kurungs to underprivileged kids, to helping put food on the table for the needy, here are a couple of initiatives you can play a part in and make a difference to someone this Ramadan.
Give away kurungs to the underprivileged
To commemorate the end of Ramadan, many Muslim families don new traditional clothes – a luxury the underprivileged are unable to afford. Originally founded by two girls, Gift-A-Kurung collects and hands out pre-loved raya outfits to the needy. Through a gift-matching system, they only accept sizes that match the needs of their beneficiaries, and pieces which are in good condition.
This year, Gift-A-Kurung will work with Mujahidin Mosque, Apex Mentoring, Marsiling CC Progress Class to give away collected baju kurungs to underprivileged families and children.
To volunteer with the team as they hand out outfits to excited kids, you may contact them at [email protected] or via Facebook for more details. Those interested in donating their kurungs for upcoming giveaway projects may also stay up-to-date on the outfit size lists through their Facebook page.
Go door to door and deliver dinners
Last year, the Marine Crescent Ville Residents’ Committee started a Ramadan Food Delivery programme to reach out to needy Muslim families around the precinct during the holy month. The RC worked with the Islamic Restaurant which sponsored the meals, and gave them out door to door, since majority were elderly couples and seniors who lived alone.
The overwhelming support of members of the public prompted the RC to continue with the programme this year. Dinner deliveries will be taking place every Wednesday and Sunday until 3 July. Additional distributions are on 24 June and 2 July, and food donations have even been extended to another 40 beneficiaries from the rental blocks in Marine Parade.
To help, volunteer with the residents to deliver dinner meals to the doorsteps of the needy and put a smile on their faces.
Make a contribution to food rations for the needy
The Give Care Community started in May 2014 when nine wedding vendors came together to reach out to underprivileged families. Holding fundraisers and in turn acquiring and distributing food necessities using the funds collected, each family receives approximately $40 worth of goods.
Now with 18 wedding vendors collaborating, the Ramadan Charity Project aims to reach out to more than 150 needy families of all races and religions this Ramadan. Accepting both monetary contributions as well as food items, the project’s last date for all donations is 24 June. Funds raised will be used to purchase food staples such as rice and milo, to be packed and given out by the volunteers to families in need.
Be part of the spirit of giving. Make a donation to the project or volunteer to help reach out to the needy by writing in to [email protected] for more details.
Host someone, or let someone host you
Organised by the Singapore Kindness Movement (SKM), Just An Extra Chair matches up people who want to learn about other cultures with those who are excited to share about theirs.
First carried out during the Lunar New Year earlier this February, Just An Extra Chair is back for Ramadan and Hari Raya. Calling out to those who would like to open their homes and host guests over for iftar (breaking fast) or Hari Raya, as well as those merely curious about Muslim culture, the initiative creates an opportunity to meet people from all walks of life.
Those interested in being a host or guest for Just An Extra Chair may sign up online for various Ramadan or Hari Raya dates. Registration for iftar dinners and Hari Raya meals closes on 21 June and 4 July respectively.
Play a part to provide 25,000 meals
Since November 2014, Free Food For All (FFFA) has managed to hand out more than 90,000 free halal packed meals to the needy of all races and religions around Singapore. Its aim? To foster passion for the community, by the community.
This Ramadan, the charity organisation is running the ‘Com+Passion’ project, a food programme that distributes daily cooked meals to the less fortunate in Singapore. Beyond providing Muslims with meals to break their fast, FFFA also wishes to help the needy of other races and religions, enabling them to experience kindness and compassion during this special time of giving.
To help them with their aim of raising $50,000 for 25,000 meals this Ramadan, make a donation to FFFA’s Com+Passion fundraiser and help the less fortunate put food on the table.
Many such initiatives are carried out especially during Ramadan, as the Muslim community celebrates a time of charity and generosity. Before the season draws to an end and in preparation of the festivities of Hari Raya Puasa, be part of the spirit of giving and reach out to someone this holy month.