If you always had a heart for the community but don’t know where to begin your journey, why not check out these places to volunteer in Singapore? Even an hour of your time can make a difference to some of these organisations.
Instead of thinking of what to do at home, here are 17 places in Singapore where you can volunteer:
Action for Singapore Dogs (ASD)
Action for Singapore Dogs (ASD) was established in December 2000 as a non-profit organization with a mission to improve the welfare of stray and abandoned dogs in Singapore with a strict no-kill policy.
The organisation has volunteer options that include rescuing, rehoming, fostering and many more. Volunteers should be at least 21 years old and not be afraid of hard work, large and boisterous dogs if they want to volunteer.
Website: http://www.asdsingapore.com/volunteer
Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (ACRES)
Animal Concerns Research and Education Society (ACRES) is an animal protection organisation. They tackle illegal wildlife trade, conduct rescues and do community outreach. They also educate and raise awareness about animal welfare.
Volunteers that wish to help can help out in the Wildlife Sanctuary, Wildlife Rescue or even through Project-Based Volunteering.
During this COVID period, ACRES has adapted its Outreach educational programmes to virtual delivery, in addition to the regular physical delivery. Check out their website for more information on how to be a volunteer.
Website: https://acres.org.sg/volunteer/volunteer-with-us/
Association for Women for Action and Research (AWARE)
The Association for Women for Action and Research (AWARE) is an organisation that has been tackling women’s issues and advocating equality in Singapore since 1985.
It runs a helpline in four languages and a Sexual Assault Care Centre that offers free and confidential advice. Volunteers can be a help liner or lend their professional skills (lawyer, doctor, writer, IT professional) to support its clinics and initiatives.
Website: https://www.aware.org.sg/volunteer-centre/vol-descriptions/
Babes Pregnancy Crisis Support
Babes Pregnancy Crisis Support proactively reaches out to anyone aged 21 and below needing support with their pregnancy so that they are aware of their options and are able to make an informed decision with regards to their pregnancy.
Website: https://www.babes.org.sg/get-involved/get-involved/
Breast Cancer Foundation
Breast Cancer Foundation has a membership size of over 1000 members, which consists of survivors, people diagnosed with breast cancer and supporters.
Every year, hundreds of volunteers provide assistance during “Breast Cancer Awareness Month”. Some help prior to the event by contributing to the logistics needs, while others help out with street collection.
BCF provides training to their volunteers depending on their needs of the task they are assigned.
Website: https://www.bcf.org.sg/members-volunteers/join-membership/
Cat Welfare Society
If you’re a cat lover and looking for places to volunteer in Singapore, check out The Cat Welfare Society! They help stray cats and provide them with food in a responsible manner. They are also involved in caregiving, sterilising, and reporting cases of abuse.
The Cat Welfare Society has volunteer roles such as Community Cat Caregivers/Mediators and Administrative Coordinators.. Anyone with the relevant skills to these roles are welcome to volunteer and help out the cause of Cat Welfare Society.
Website: https://www.catwelfare.org/be-a-volunteer/
Citizen Farm by Edible Garden City
Citizen Farm is a space for the local community to learn about and grow plants together. Their aim is for the community to thrive on sustainable, safe and locally grown fresh food.
Citizen Farm organises volunteer sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays at their locations at Queenstown and Raffles City. However, due to the Covid 19 situation volunteer slots are limited so do check their website regularly if you are interested in volunteering for this organisation.
Website: https://www.ediblegardencity.com/join
Club Rainbow
Club Rainbow is an organisation that supports and empower children with chronic illnesses & their families by providing compassionate relevant services in their journey towards an enriching life.
There are many roles that you can choose to volunteer, such as being a Volunteer Tutor, Camp Rainbow Volunteer (camp befriender), Camp Rainbow Volunteer (camp committee), event support or even a Skill Based Volunteer.
Website: https://www.clubrainbow.org/
Food From The Heart
Apart from feeding the needy in Singapore, Food From The Heart also aims to reduce food wastage that is constantly being generated.
There are multiple volunteer roles available such as doing food deliveries, warehouse logistics, planning events, volunteering professional expertise and even self-initiated projects.
Website: https://www.foodfromtheheart.sg/
KampungKakis
KampungKakis is a neighbourhood buddy system aimed at supporting the elderly and disadvantaged families, by connecting resident volunteers with their neighbours-in-need based on proximity, assistance type and spoken language.
If you are interested in volunteering, KampungKakis will buddy you up with a neighbour in need!
You will be able to help lonely or fragile seniors who have no caregivers to rely on or isolated individuals who might be at-risk and need regular check-ins. Some other groups of people you might help are low-income families and students who might need tech or tutoring support for home-based learning.
Website: https://kampungkakis.org/about-the-initiative
Little Green Men
Little Green Men is a non-profit organisation that does Coastal Clean Ups and Nature Walks.
Some examples of coastal clean-ups are conducted at Chek Jawa, Sungei Tampines, Lim Chu Kang, Sungei Pandan and Sungei Seletar. To volunteer for these types of events, contact them through their Facebook.
Website: https://www.facebook.com/littlegreenmensg/
Love Kuching Project
Love Kuching Project is another small community-based cat rescue group in Singapore that focuses on rescuing cats in need, adopting of cats and educating the public on how to care for cats.
Roles of the volunteers will include Foster Care, Rescue, Outreach, FLOAT (Facilities Management, Legal, Operations, Accounts, Tech), Events, Fundraising, Marketing and more.
Website: https://www.lovekuchingproject.org/ (Under Maintenance)
National Library Board kidsREAD programme
National Library Board kidsREAD programme is a programme by the National Library where you can volunteer to read books to underprivileged children.
If you are 15 years and above, have a good command of the English language, love books and enjoy reading and interacting with children, this is the perfect place to volunteer for you!
Website: https://www.nlb.gov.sg/GetInvolved/ContributeCreate/BeakidsREADVolunteer.aspx
Singapore Council of Women’s Organisations (SCWO)
Singapore Council of Women’s Organisations (SCWO) is an organisation that runs multiple programmes to support women in need. It houses the Star Shelter – a secular crisis centre that provides safe temporary refuge for women and children who are victims of family violence.
One can volunteer at the Star Shelter on weekday evenings and weekends to do tutoring, childcare support, skills training and recreational activities such as gardening.
Volunteers can also choose to help out in the New2U Thrift Shop on weekdays and the last Sunday of the month.
The SCWO’s IT Hub is also another place you can volunteer at. The IT Hub offers classes that teach students of all ages basic computer skills. The instructors are made up of volunteers with a passion to encourage those who are hesitant but willing to give technology a go.
Website: https://www.scwo.org.sg/get-involved/be-a-volunteer/
The Live Turtle and Tortoise Museum
The Live Turtle and Tortoise Museum is a museum featuring rare turtles & tortoises. Volunteer positions include helping to look after their turtles and tortoises and cleaning tanks as well as general maintenance of their premises.
Website: https://www.turtle-tortoise.com/
Willing Hearts
Willing Hearts operates a soup kitchen that prepares, cooks and distributes about 9,500 daily meals to over 40 locations island-wide, 365 days a year.
Beneficiaries include the elderly, the disabled, low-income families, children from single-parent families or otherwise poverty-stricken families, and migrant workers in Singapore.
Volunteer positions include preparations of ingredients, packing of lunch boxes, cleaning, washing and general help. If you are interested to volunteer, feel free to apply via their website.
Website: https://willinghearts.org.sg/get-involved/
Yellow Ribbon Project
The Yellow Ribbon Project is an organisation whose vision is to build bridges of hope for offenders and their families, contribute to a safer community by successfully reintegrating offenders and creating a more compassionate society that offers second chances.
Join them as a volunteer to raise awareness through activities that advocate the Yellow Ribbon cause and help them with various events and community projects. Sign up via their website and you’ll be notified of any volunteering opportunities or programmes.
Website: https://www.yellowribbon.gov.sg/community-engagement/yellow-ribbon-project/volunteer
Places To Volunteer in Singapore
Doesn’t matter if it’s a whole day or even just an hour of volunteering, every second makes a difference. If any of the above organisations appeal to you, do head over to their website to check out more details regarding volunteer roles.
While we try our best to make sure that everything is accurate, due to Covid-19, some information regarding these places to volunteer in Singapore might rapidly change from time to time. Please check with the organisations via their official websites or social media to find out more.
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