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 time and effort for a great cause. Whatever your choice of charity may be, you can help people living in challenging circumstances or underprivileged homes, do your part for animal welfare, and support the LGBTQ community. Here’s our round-up of volunteering opportunities in Singapore where you can lend a hand and earn some good karma points.
Riding for the Disabled Association Singapore
Love horses and volunteering? Combine the best of both worlds at Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) 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 got any prior horse-riding experience, ’cause on-the-job training is provided. Group and individual volunteers above 16 years old are welcome to join.
RDA Centre, 5 Jalan Mashhor, Singapore 299174
Ray of Hope
This non-profit organisation is a little different from your usual charity as it shines a light on various individuals who don’t have the means to help themselves. Through its crowdfunding platform, you can alleviate their plight by donating money. All the beneficiaries listed undergo a strict verification process and the case managers will ensure your donations are used appropriately.
Ray of Hope
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? Try volunteering for dance, yoga, music, singing and drama classes, and watch your students shine at respective exhibitions and performances.
Very Special Arts Singapore, locations at Bedok and Changi
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 counsellor for the 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 Lane, Singapore 208628
Habitat for Humanity
Help create a stable home for the less fortunate with Habitat for Humanity’s Project HomeWorks. This initiative may be more laborious as others (the cleaning can get pretty intense), but you’ll be giving 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, #05-00, Century Technology Building, 56 Lorong 23 Geylang, Singapore 388381
Singapore Anti-Narcotics Association
Lend a helping hand to recovering drug users through the Singapore Anti-Narcotics Association’s volunteer programmes: Para-counsellors and Outreach Ambassadors. For the former, you’ll be helping ex-offenders and their families to come up with an action plan for their future goals; and for the latter, you’ll assist in events for drug addiction awareness and conduct house visits.
Singapore Anti-Narcotics Association, #05-01, Sengkang Community Hub, 2 Sengkang Square, Singapore 545025
Beyond Social Services
Want to play a part in breaking the poverty cycle of underprivileged children and youth? Register yourself (or get your mates on board) 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 as well – just have a chat with the friendly team if you’ve got something else in mind.
Beyond Social Services, #01-42/52, 26 Jalan Klinik, 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 to do your part? Check out the volunteering opportunities: Programmes include accompanying the elderly to their weekly medical appointments and delivering food to the homebound elderly via Meals-on-Wheels.
Touch Community Services, #05-3545, 162 Bukit Merah Central, Singapore 150162
Movement For The Intellectually Disabled of Singapore
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 or swimming), you can volunteer as an assistant teacher or support behind-the-scenes work such as administration. Better yet, if you’re in a position to hire, you can offer employment opportunities. Alternatively, donate your pre-loved items to its thrift shops for a good cause.
Minds, 800 Margaret Drive, Singapore 149310
Singapore Red Cross Society
With a mission to alleviate human suffering, the Singapore Red Cross is looking for volunteers to help out with fundraising, ambulance services, blood donation drives, and Red Cross Home for the Disabled – Day Activity Centre, where it offers recreational activities for people with disabilities. That’s just the tip of the iceberg, as it supports other humanitarian causes as well.
Singapore Red Cross Society, 15 Penang Lane, Singapore 238486
Yellow Ribbon Singapore
Ex-offenders might’ve done their time, but that doesn’t mean life is any easier for them as they re-enter society. Your support is vital to fight the stigma associated with ex-offenders, so sign up as a volunteer 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 they don’t miss out on available employment opportunities.
Yellow Ribbon Singapore, #02-19, 980 Upper Changi Road North Blk B, 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 campaigns, 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 in Singapore, so why not donate meals instead to the needy and make their day! You can join Food from the Heart’s Bread Programme by collecting bread from various bakeries islandwide and distributing these goods to beneficiaries. Looking to do more? Participate in toy drives to help collate and distribute toys to children.
Food from the Heart, #03-01, 130 Joo Seng Road, Singapore 368357
Willing Hearts
Are you 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 where you can lend a hand. It’s open daily and welcomes all who wish to help, be it through ingredient preparation, packing food items, cleaning or washing up.
Willing Hearts, #01-51 Kembangan – Chai Chee Community Hub, 11 Jalan Ubi Blk 6, Singapore 409074
Asian Women’s Welfare Association
With an aim to help the disadvantaged from infancy to old age, the AWWA has many opportunities for you to contribute to the community. You can work with the elderly, children with special needs, or help out administratively.
AWWA, multiple locations
Make A Wish Foundation
Making someone’s dream come true is easier than you think. Help Make a Wish Foundation grant the 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, #04-18, The Adelphi, 1 Coleman Street, Singapore 179803
Association of Women for Action and Research
Singapore’s leading gender equality advocacy group Aware is always on the lookout for volunteers to help with anything from manning crisis hotlines to offering legal aid. Those who need a little flexibility on volunteering hours, this one’s for you. Plus, you can utilise your skills or expertise in areas like providing legal support for women in need, writing articles, and contributing work or graphic designs for brochures and posters.
Aware, #01-22, Block 5 Dover Crescent, Singapore 130005
The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Arguably the most prominent animal welfare charity and adoption centre in Singapore, SPCA provides a multitude of services such as 24-hour emergency animal rescue, foster care for young animals, and educational talks, seminars and workshops. Check out the volunteer roles available (there are heaps!) here to see how you can chip in.
SPCA, 50 Sungei Tengah Road, Singapore 699012
Club Rainbow
There’s nothing more rewarding than bringing smiles to children. Be part of Club Rainbow and 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 to these kids and it requires a high commitment on your part. Alternatively, volunteers are relied on to help run various fundraising events and support programmes such as the annual Camp Rainbow.
Club Rainbow, #05-263/269, Blk 538 Upper Cross Street, Singapore 050538
Animal Concerns Research and Education Society
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 education to raise awareness about animal welfare. Go on a rescue mission to save wild animals or 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, 91 Jalan Lekar, Singapore 698917
Oogachaga
Oogachaga is a non-profit organisation that works closely with the LGBTQ+ community. From offering counselling services to organising outreach programmes (such as support groups and workshops) to developing information resources for the queer community, there are plenty of opportunities to help. Do check out the site for volunteer openings.
Oogachaga, 57B Pagoda Street, Singapore 059216
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, it also believes in holistic care through the use of supplements, essential oils and creating a good environment so the cats feel comfortable. Follow the project on Instagram to keep track of the cases!
Love Kuching Project, 216 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427483
The T Project
This is Singapore’s first and only social service that meets the needs of the transgender community. The T Project runs a shelter for transgender women and a community centre, The Alicia Community Centre, which caters the LGBTQ community with counselling and trans reading resources. To learn more, visit its exhibition spotlighting the history of the transgender community in Singapore. Want to get involved? Reach out to the project or donate food, which will aid them in food ration distribution.
The T Project, #01-106, 183 Jalan Pelikat, Singapore 537643
Humanitarian Organization for Migration Economics
Migrant workers in Singapore face many pressing issues, some of which you can help alleviate. Show your support by volunteering at Home, where you can raise funds or simply befriend a migrant worker to build a budding friendship.
Home, multiple locations
Oasis Second Chance Animal Shelter
Oscas is a charity and non-profit dog shelter in Pasir Ris that has been in existence since 2006. All dogs in the shelter are mongrels rescued from the streets or from being culled. The place is almost entirely managed by volunteers, and everyone is welcome to join.
Oasis Second Chance Animal Shelter, #01-33, The Animal Lodge, 59 Sungei Tengah Road, Block R, Singapore 699014
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 and more. You can volunteer to mentor for Aidha’s Sunday classes and empower the lives of these students.
Aidha, 748A North Bridge Road, Singapore 198716
Transient Workers Count Too
The Cuff Road Project (a free meal program for out-of-job workers) is just one of the many initiatives by TWC2. It advocates for the equitable treatment of migrant workers, and you can be part of it by volunteering in various departments, from casework support to translation assistance.
TWC2, 5001 Beach Road, #09-86, Golden Mile Complex, Singapore 199588
Migrant Workers’ Centre
Adhering to four mission pillars – fairness, assistance, integration and representation – the non-government organisation works towards ensuring the wellbeing of migrant workers in Singapore. It also provides support in migrant workers’ employment rights by assisting in areas such as work injury compensation and employment contracts. You can help with monetary donations or go the extra mile by volunteering directly.
Migrant Workers’ Centre, 579 Serangoon Road, Singapore 218193
Nature Society
Be one with nature as you volunteer here. Strap on your boots and embark on a horseshoe crab rescue and research project at Mandai mudflats, or get down and dirty to clear the aquatic vegetation at Kranji Marshes. No time to spare? Contribute to the feeding records of butterflies and report feeding behaviours whenever you spot one at your nearest park.
Nature Society, #02-05, The Sunflower, 510 Geylang Road, Singapore 389466
Singapore Council of Women’s Organisations
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. Here, 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 administrative duties.
SCWO, 96 Waterloo Street, Singapore 187967
kidsREAD Clubs by 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.
kidsREAD Clubs, multiple locations
Action for Singapore Dogs
Giving stray and abandoned dogs a second chance at life, ASD is always in need of volunteers to help out with various activities and tasks like walking the dogs, cleaning their living areas and grooming them.
Action For Singapore Dogs, 80 Lim Chu Kang Lane 1, Singapore 718911
ReadAble
Here’s another wonderful cause that aims to promote reading and writing amongst kids. Volunteer with the ReadAble community, which champions literacy for children through weekly reading and language arts classes! You can contribute as a teacher or simply sponsor items to facilitate classroom sessions and excursions.
ReadAble
Babes
Pregnancy is life-changing, especially so if you’re young and uncertain about the future. Volunteer at Babes, a service that provides support to pregnant teenagers. You can be involved in ad-hoc duties, organising fundraising activities, or simply befriending these girls.
Babes, Blk 26 #01-42/52, Jalan Klinik, Singapore 160026
One Singapore
If you’re dedicated to eradicating poverty, championing migrant rights, empowering women, and combating climate change, this cause is for you. There are many ways you can contribute to One Singapore: From donations to signing petitions and sponsoring a child’s education to ad hoc volunteering.
One Singapore, #03-112, Hong Lim Complex, 531A Upper Cross Street, Singapore 051531
Pink Dot
If you’re a big believer that love is love, join this non-profit movement that supports the LGBTQ community. The annual event, Pink Dot, is growing to become 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
Animal Lovers League
A registered no-kill shelter, Animal Lovers League is one of the largest and longest-running animal welfare groups in Singapore. It has rescued over 700 cats and dogs, and it constantly needs the support of the public to keep the charity running. Volunteers who can commit on a long-term basis (especially on weekdays) are needed.
Animal Lovers League, #01-29, Block Q, The Animal Lodge, 59 Sungei Tengah Road, Singapore 699014
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. Volunteer at one of the service centres with ad-hoc programmes that you can participate in, from giving weekly tuition sessions to assisting with talks and workshops to helping out with administrative duties.
Singapore Children’s Society, various locations
Breast Cancer Foundation
Rock that iconic pink pin and be a part of a movement to eradicate breast cancer – the most common life-threatening disease amongst women in Singapore. There are plenty of volunteering opportunities to choose from, as BCF relies on volunteers to carry out campaigns, events and educational seminars to spread awareness about the importance of early detection.
BFC, #04-03/08, 5 Stadium Walk, Kallang Leisure Park, Singapore 397693
Pathlight School
As Singapore’s first autism-focused school, Pathlight School combines a mainstream academic curriculum with life readiness skills. This one’s a long-term commitment, as the school looks for regular volunteers to help out with organising events for the kids, 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 taking 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
Cat Welfare Society
If you’re a cat lover in Singapore, you’ll know this amazing charity for its 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 their day jobs to manage the initiative. These folks are always on the lookout for more volunteers and fresh ideas to improve the welfare 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
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 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, including befriending the patients, accompanying them to medical appointments, helping out with game and therapy sessions, and organising events for them and their families. Simply contact the volunteer coordinator who will arrange for a chat, followed by an orientation and training programme.
HCA Hospice, #03-01, Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital, Block A, 705 Serangoon Road, Singapore 328127
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