There’s no shortage of free things to do in the Lion City, and that includes helping out those in need. If you’re thinking of ways to volunteer in Singapore, beyond donating your gently used goods, the next step could be sharing your skills and your time for a great cause. Whatever your choice of charity may be – helping those living under challenging circumstances or with extra needs, animal welfare, or supporting gender equality – here’s our round-up of volunteering opportunities in Singapore where you can earn some good karma.
Riding for the Disabled Association Singapore (RDA)
Love horses and volunteering? Combine the best of both worlds at Riding for the Disabled Association Singapore. This amazing initiative provides hippotherapy (horse-riding therapy) to physically and mentally challenged children and adults – and we can’t think of a better way to volunteer. Don’t fret if you haven’t any prior horse-riding experience, on-the-job training is provided. Group and individual volunteers above 16 years old are welcome join.
RDA Centre, 5 Jalan Mashhor, Singapore 299174
Very Special Arts Singapore
Very Special Arts (VSA) Singapore has been running successful art programmes, workshops and art exhibitions for disabled children and adults for over 25 years – and the number of volunteers has only been increasing. Have a skill you’d like to share? Have a go at volunteering for dance, yoga, music, singing and drama classes, and watch your students shine at respective exhibitions and performances.
Very Special Arts Singapore, VSA Art Space @ Bedok, Blk 133, Bedok North Ave 3 ,#01-138, Singapore 460133; VSA Art Space @ Changi, 5 Changi Business Park Central 1, #03-01 Changi City Point, Singapore 486038
Nature Society
Be one with nature and volunteer with Nature Society. Strap on your boots and embark on a horseshoe crab rescue and research project at the Mandai mudflats or get down and dirty to clear the aquatic vegetation at the Kranji Marshes. No time? Contribute to the feeding records of butterflies and report feeding behaviours whenever you spot one at your nearest park.
Nature Society, 510 Geylang Road, #02-05, The Sunflower, Singapore 389466
Action for AIDS
Most of us know that HIV/AIDS is still a controversial topic here in Singapore but you have the power to challenge the status quo. A volunteer at Action for AIDS begins with an outreach programme and can advance to a testing counselor for their anonymous testing services. You’ll also get a chance to turn your meaningful work here into a career – head to the job board for more information.
Action for AIDS, 9 Kelantan Ln, Singapore 208628
Habitat for Humanity
Help create a decent home for the less fortunate with Habitat for Humanity’s Project HomeWorks. This initiative may not be as easy as others (the cleaning can get pretty intense) but anything to give the elderly, low-income families and those with disabilities a safe and sanitary home. Planning to volunteer with the family? Join the UnLitter Red Dot programme for a clean-up at your neighbourhood.
Habitat for Humanity, 56 Lorong 23 Geylang, Century Technology Building, #05-00, Singapore 388381
Singapore Anti-Narcotics Association
Want to put your creative background to good use? Lend a helping hand to recovering drug users through the Singapore Anti-Narcotics Association’s volunteer programmes. You’ll have the chance to provide photography support at major events and design public publicity to raise awareness on drug abuse. Of course, there are various counselling, fundraising and events support open to volunteers.
Singapore Anti-Narcotics Association, 2 Sengkang Square, Sengkang Community Hub, #05-01, Singapore 545025
Beyond Social Services
Want to play a part in breaking the poverty cycle of underprivileged children and youth? Register yourself (or with your mates) and make someone’s day by running an activity for the children, sharing a skill or hobby, hosting an event or simply providing a listening ear to a kid. Beyond Social Services is open to other ideas so just have a chat with the friendly team if you have something else in mind.
Beyond Social Services, 26 Jalan Klinik, #01-42/52, Singapore 160026
TOUCH Community Services
What started out as an initiative to help at-risk children has now spawned a multi-service organisation that serves the disadvantaged from the elderly to people with special needs or disabilities. Interested? Check out the volunteering opportunities with TOUCH Community Services or get in touch by emailing volunteers@touch.org.sg. Some of their programmes include accompanying the elderly to their medical appointments once a week; or if you have a car, drivers are more than welcome to volunteer for their Meals-on-Wheels programme that delivers meals to homebound elderly.
TOUCH Community Services, 162 Bukit Merah Central, #05-3545, Singapore 150162
Movement For The Intellectually Disabled of Singapore (MINDS)
Voluntary welfare organisation MINDS aims to empower people with intellectual disability and aid their integration into society. How can you help? Through various means: if you’ve got a handy skill to impart (art, music, swimming, etc.), you can volunteer as an assistant teacher or assist in behind-the-scenes work such as administration. Better yet, if you’re in a position to hire, you can offer employment opportunities, or donate your pre-loved items to their thrift shops and support a good cause.
MINDS, 800 Margaret Drive, Singapore 149310
Singapore Red Cross Society
With a mission to alleviate human suffering, the Red Cross is looking for volunteers to help out with fund-raising, ambulance services, at blood donation drives, at the Red Cross Home for the Disabled, in addition to other humanitarian causes.
Singapore Red Cross Society, 15 Penang Lane, Singapore 238486
Yellow Ribbon Project
Ex-offenders might’ve done their time, but that doesn’t mean life is any easier for them as they ease back into society. Your support is vital to fight the stigma associated with ex-offenders, so sign up as a Yellow Ribbon Advocate and/or donate to the Yellow Ribbon Fund. If you’re an employer, take it one step further and register for an account on the online job portal so that ex-offenders don’t miss out on available employment opportunities.
Yellow Ribbon Project, 980 Upper Changi Road North Blk B, #02-19, Singapore 507708
Salvation Army
Aside from openings as kettle bell-ringers during Christmas, the Salvation Army has tons of volunteering opportunities for you to get involved. Fundraising, donation drives, workshops, academic mentoring, and organising field trips for various beneficiaries: the sky’s the limit.
Salvation Army, multiple locations
Food from the Heart
A good amount of food wastage is constantly being generated, so why not give them to the needy and help to make their day! You can join Food from the Heart’s Bread Programme by collecting bread from various bakeries islandwide and distributing these yummy goods to the beneficiaries. Looking to help with more? Participate in toy drives and help collate and distribute toys to children.
Food from the Heart, 130 Joo Seng Road, #03-01, Singapore 368357
Willing Hearts
A budding chef in the making, or simply interested in cooking and preparing meals, especially if it’s for a good cause? Willing Hearts is the soup kitchen to be at! It’s open daily and welcomes all who wish to help, be it through ingredient preparation, packing of food items, cleaning and washing and more.
Willing Hearts, 11 Jalan Ubi Blk 6, #01-51 Kembangan – Chai Chee Community Hub, Singapore 409074
Asian Women’s Welfare Association (AWWA)
Aimed at helping out the disadvantaged from infancy to old age, the AWWA has many opportunities for you to help out: you can work with the elderly, children with special needs, or help out administratively.
AWWA, multiple locations
Make A Wish Foundation
Making someone’s wish come true is easier than you think. Help Make a Wish Foundation grant wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions by donating, volunteering to be a Wish Granter or assisting with the foundation’s administrative work.
Make a Wish Foundation, 1 Coleman Street, #04-18, The Adelphi, Singapore 179803
Association of Women for Action and Research (AWARE)
Singapore’s leading gender equality advocacy group AWARE is always on the lookout for more volunteers to do anything from manning crisis hotlines to dishing out legal aid. For those who need a little flexibility on volunteering hours, this one’s for you. You can choose to volunteer from home, do part-time or even full-time work.
AWARE, Block 5 Dover Crescent, #01-22, Singapore 130005
Aidha
Want to help improve the lives of foreign domestic workers and low-income women via greater financial literacy? Aidha provides classes in money management, computer literacy etc, and you can volunteer to mentor for Aidha’s Sunday classes and empower the lives of these students.
Aidha, 748A North Bridge Road, Singapore 198716
The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA)
Arguably the most prominent animal welfare charity and adoption centre in Singapore, the SPCA receives about 400 pets and stray animals per month, sadly. Check out the volunteer roles available (there are heaps!) here to see how you can chip in.
SPCA, 50 Sungei Tengah Road, Singapore 699012
Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (ACRES)
An animal protection organisation driven by its concern for the better treatment of animals, ACRES’ focus areas include tackling the wildlife trade, rescue and rehabilitation, community outreach and also education and raising awareness about animal welfare. Go on a rescue mission to save wild animals, or for something milder, look after daily tasks to ensure rescued animals are happy and healthy. From birds and monkeys, to sugar gliders and snakes, ACRES aims to leave no animal behind.
Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (ACRES), 91 Jln Lekar, Singapore 698917
Animal Lovers League
A registered no-kill shelter, Animal Lovers League is one of the largest and longest-running animal welfare groups in Singapore. They’ve rescued over 700 cats and dogs and constantly need the support of the public to keep the charity running to continue care for the animals. They do, however, need volunteers who can commit on a long-term basis, especially on weekdays.
Animal Lovers League, The Animal Lodge, 59 Sungei Tengah Road, Block Q #01-29, Singapore 699014
Love Kuching Project
This community-based cat rescue group has a strong following on social media and is very passionate about its cases. Its main focus is on rehabilitating stray cats which are injured or critically ill. Besides vet care, they also believe in holistic care through the use of supplements, essential oils and creating a good environment so the cats in care feel comfortable. Volunteer times are flexible; however, do contact them to confirm your slots. Follow them on Instagram to keep track of their cases!
Love Kuching Project
Cat Welfare Society
If you’re a cat lover in Singapore, you’ll know this amazing charity for their efforts in promoting humane, responsible and informed actions towards domestic and community felines through various campaigns, classes and workshops. Cat Welfare Society has always been run by a team of volunteers who dedicate much of their free time outside of their professional work to manage the society. They are always on the lookout for more volunteers to inject fresh ideas to improve the society, so if you think you have something to offer, get involved and join the fight for a better future for all cats.
Cat Welfare Society
Action for Singapore Dogs (ASD)
Giving stray and abandoned dogs a second chance at life, ASD is always in need of volunteers to help out for various activities and tasks like walking the dogs, cleaning their living areas and grooming them.
Action For Singapore Dogs
Humanitarian Organization for Migration Economic (HOME)
Migrant workers in Singapore face many pressing issues, which you can help alleviate. Show your support by volunteering at HOME, where you would raise funds or simply befriend a migrant worker.
HOME, multiple locations
Oasis Second Chance Animal Shelter (OSCAS)
OSCAS is a charity and non-profit dog shelter in Pasir Ris that has been in existence since 2006. All the dogs in the shelter are mongrels rescued from the streets or from being culled. Stray rescue is hard work and the shelter is almost entirely managed by volunteers, and everyone is welcome to join.
Oasis Second Chance Animal Shelter (OSCAS), The Animal Lodge, 59 Sungei Tengah Rd, Block R
Transient Workers Count Too (TWC2)
Projects like The Cuff Road Project (a free meal program for out-of-job workers) is one of the many initiatives by TWC2. Promoting equitable treatment for migrant workers, you too can be part of it by volunteering in their various departments, from casework support to translation support.
TWC2, 5001 Beach Road, #09-86, Golden Mile Complex, Singapore 199588,
Singapore Council of Women’s Organisations (SCWO)
Join the SCWO as a volunteer across various scopes, including volunteering regularly with the Star Shelter, a temporary refuge for women and children who are victims of domestic violence – You can offer tutoring services, child-care support and more. Or volunteer with the New2U Thrift Shop, which aims to raise funds through retail to support the Shelter and other SWCO initiatives. Other ad-hoc opportunities are also available for those who prefer more administrative duties.
SCWO, 96 Waterloo Street, Singapore 187967
kidsREAD Clubs (National Library of Singapore)
Got a love for the written word? Storytellers can put their oratory skills to good use by volunteering as readers to underprivileged children at public libraries and community clubs around Singapore through the kidsREAD Clubs. Email kidsREAD@nlb.gov.sg for more details.
kidsREAD Clubs, multiple locations
ReadAble
Here’s another wonderful cause that aims to promote reading and writing amongst kids – Volunteer with the ReadAble community that champions literacy for children through weekly reading and language arts classes! It’s been featured across various social media for the awesome work done, and you can contribute as a teacher or simply sponsor items to facilitate classroom sessions and excursions.
ReadAble
Babes
Pregnancy can be one big thing for many women, and especially so if you’re young and confused. Volunteer at Babes, a service which provides support to pregnant teenagers: you can be involved in ad-hoc duties, organising fundraising activities, or simply be present as a friend to these girls.
Babes, Blk 26 #01-42/52, Jalan Klinik, Singapore 160026
One (Singapore
If you’re dedicated to eradicating poverty, reducing child mortality, empowering women, and combating HIV/AIDS, this cause is for you. There are many ways you can contribute to the ONE Singapore causes: from donations to signing petitions, sponsoring a child’s education, and ad hoc volunteering.
ONE Singapore, 531A Upper Cross Street, #03-112, Hong Lim Complex, Singapore 051531
Pink Dot
If you’re a big believer that love is love, be a part of this non-profit movement that supports the LGBT community. Their annual event, Pink Dot, is exponentially growing as one of the biggest events to watch out for in Singapore, and extra pairs of helping hands are always in need to spread the message of acceptance.
Pink Dot
Club Rainbow
There’s nothing more rewarding than bringing smiles to children. Be a part of Club Rainbow where you can bring joy to the lives of terminally ill children through donations or sign up as a volunteer. But be prepared: you’ll be regarded as a mentor for these kids and it requires a high commitment on your part. Alternatively, volunteers are relied on to help run their various fund-raising events and support programmes such as the annual Camp Rainbow.
Club Rainbow, Blk 538 Upper Cross Street, #05-263/269, Singapore 050538
Singapore Children’s Society
With 11 service centres across the island, Singapore Children’s Society offers help and services to children and families in need, and you can help by volunteering at one of the service centres. There’s always ad-hoc programmes that you can participate in, from giving weekly tuition, to assisting with talks and workshops, or just helping out with administrative duties.
Singapore Children’s Society, 298 Tiong Bahru Road, #09-05 , Central Plaza Singapore 168730
Breast Cancer Foundation (BFC)
Rock that iconic pink pin and be a part of a movement to eradicate breast cancer – the most common life-threatening disease among women in Singapore. There’s plenty of volunteering opportunities to choose from, as BCF relies on volunteers to carry out campaigns, events and educational seminars to spread awareness about early detection of breast cancer.
BFC, 5 Stadium Walk, Kallang Leisure Park, #04-03/08, Singapore 397693
Pathlight School
As Singapore’s first autism-focused school, Pathlight School combines a mainstream academic curriculum with life readiness skills. It’ll be great if you can commit long-term, as they are looking for regular volunteers to help out with the school, including organising events for the kids, helping with fundraisers and library assistance.
Pathlight School, 5 Ang Mo Kio Ave 10, Singapore 569739
Rainbow Centre
Established in 1987, Rainbow Centre supports children with special needs, and you can do the same by volunteering as classroom support, or take the kids out on weekly outings. Those with professional expertise are welcome to provide their services, such as helping to run medical check-ups or conducting therapy sessions.
Rainbow Centre, multiple locations
Fei Yue
Volunteer with Fei Yue, a not-for-profit welfare organisation, to help the elderly in Singapore. Befriend them through home visits, join them in outdoor activities, or you can help to pack and distribute rations. Ad-hoc volunteering opportunities in administrative work are also available for those who prefer to work behind the scenes.
Fei Yue, multiple locations
HCA Hospice
At Singapore’s largest home hospice care provider, there are many ways you can volunteer and offer your services at HCA Hospice, including befriending the patients, accompanying them to medical appointments, helping out with game and therapy sessions and organising events for the patients and their families. Simply contact the volunteer coordinator who will arrange for a chat, followed by an orientation and training programme.
HCA Hospice, 705 Serangoon Road Block A, #03-01, @Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital, Singapore 328127
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