Singaporeans are demonstrating a sustained commitment to humanitarian aid for Gaza, with over marking the culmination of a three-month fundraising effort that generated more than S$2.6 million. The initiative, spearheaded by the Rahmatan Lil Alamin Foundation (RLAF), underscores a broader trend of grassroots support for international relief efforts, even as challenges remain in mobilizing sustained participation.
The funds, totaling S$2,608,717, will be distributed to three partner organizations: the United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef), the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organisation, and local group Humanity Matters (HM). This collaborative approach aims to ensure efficient delivery of essential supplies to civilians affected by the ongoing conflict in Gaza, focusing on the needs of children, and families.
The RLAF initially provided a tranche of S$700,000 to Unicef on , including a contribution of S$200,000 from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Approximately S$57,000 was raised through direct street collections by around 300 volunteers on , who distributed “One Nation, One Humanity” stickers to promote solidarity. Over 300 volunteers packed more than 20 tonnes of essential supplies – including food, healthcare, and hygiene products – for shipment to Jordan on , with RLAF and HM coordinating the land transfer into Gaza planned for .
Beyond large-scale fundraising drives, a compelling example of community engagement comes from a Singaporean family who channeled their children’s birthday celebrations into a charitable contribution. Instead of receiving gifts, seven-year-old Kaizen See and nine-year-old Kay See requested donations to Mercy Relief, a Singaporean disaster relief agency supporting children in Gaza. This initiative, which included QR code-enabled cupcake packaging for those unable to attend the party, raised S$7,500.
The family’s approach highlights a growing emphasis on instilling empathy and social responsibility in younger generations. Ms. Faith Ong, the children’s mother, believes that character development is as important as academic achievement. “I don’t think that academics are everything. I think having a good character is important. If you’re a kind and compassionate person, you cannot go wrong,” she stated.
However, launching and sustaining such ground-up initiatives is not without its challenges. Ms. Ong identified “recruiting” others to participate as a significant hurdle. “My kids told me that they were worried that people wouldn’t want to join them,” she explained. “I didn’t think recruiting people was going to be difficult. I always thought everybody wants to do good, they just don’t know how to do it.” This observation points to a potential gap between good intentions and active participation, suggesting a need for more accessible avenues for individuals to contribute to charitable causes.
The success of the RLAF’s fundraising campaign and the family’s grassroots effort demonstrate a clear willingness among Singaporeans to support humanitarian aid for Gaza. The S$2.6 million raised represents a substantial contribution, providing vital resources for those affected by the conflict. The funds will be used to provide essential services such as food, water, medical supplies, and educational support.
The broader implications of this outpouring of support extend beyond the immediate relief effort. It underscores the increasing importance of public-private partnerships in addressing global humanitarian crises. The collaboration between RLAF, Unicef, JHCO, and HM demonstrates the effectiveness of leveraging the resources and expertise of both governmental and non-governmental organizations. The emphasis on engaging younger generations in charitable activities, as exemplified by the See family’s initiative, suggests a long-term commitment to fostering a culture of empathy and social responsibility.
While the financial contribution is significant, the challenge of sustaining momentum and broadening participation remains. Overcoming the hurdles identified by Ms. Ong – namely, making it easier for individuals to find and engage with meaningful opportunities to contribute – will be crucial for ensuring that this initial surge of support translates into a sustained and impactful response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
