The shortage of commercially-available masks amid the coronavirus situation in Singapore has been a cause for concern for those in the community who need them.
Aware of this, two Singaporeans have created contribute.sg to enable those with spare masks to donate them.
Speaking to The Pride, the founders, who declined to be named, said: “We heard the announcement that the government is giving out four masks to each household. So one of us thought it would be good to help people who do not need the masks to pass them forward to others in greater need.”
The initiative provides several locations across the island for the public to drop off new masks or sanitisers. The public can also send in a request if their organisations are in need of these donated masks.
A note on the Contribute.sg site states: “Your contribution will help those who are in the frontline sectors. They (include) healthcare workers, homebound patients, taxi drivers, bus drivers and others who are in need.”
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The public response has been “encouraging” so far, as the founders noted that some have helped spread the word and left supportive comments online. They have also received some requests for masks from non-governmental organisations and voluntary welfare organisations who hope to give them to their frontline staff.
Here are the locations where the public can donate their items:
Singapore Kindness Movement
61 Stamford Road #01-08 Stamford Court, 178892
Mon-Fri: 10am to 5pm
Teapulse
3 Phillip St, #01-04 Royal Group Building, Singapore 048693
Mon-Fri: 10.30am to 7.30pm
Home Nursing Foundation
93 Toa Payoh Central Toa Payoh Central Community Building #07-01 Singapore 319194
Mon-Fri: 8am to 5pm
HNF Wellness@Hougang
35 Hougang Avenue 3 Hougang Community Club #04-01 Singapore 538840
Mon-Fri: 8am to 5pm
The founders hope that more partners will come forward so there can be more drop-off points.
They hope that Contribute.sg can also help inspire care and kindness in the community.
They explained: “Many were buying masks and other related products to stock up for themselves. We wanted to give Singaporeans a platform to show their love, kindness and care towards those who have greater need by donating their excess items.
“This is just a simple idea from two ordinary Singaporeans to help our fellow Singaporeans show that they have big hearts during this crisis.”
To learn more about the Contribute.sg initiative or find out how you can help, visit the website.