6 Places to Volunteer at in Singapore with Your Little Ones

Volunteering may sound daunting to some but you don’t have to perform great feats, small acts of kindness are enough to change someone’s life.

By volunteering your time for a good cause together with your little ones, not only do you get to bond with them but you also get to teach them the impacts of being charitable, after all, “the heart that gives, gathers” (Tao Te Ching).

If you have a little bit of time on your hands and are looking to volunteer, here are some organizations you can check out.

Last updated: 6 May 2021

1. Food Bank Juniors Club

Source: The Food Bank

The Food Bank aims to reduce food wastage by collecting excess food from various donors and redistributing it to Family Service Centres, Senior Activity Centres, Soup kitchens, Schools with children from low-income families, and other Voluntary Welfare Organizations.

Little ones, between the ages of 5 and 12, can sign up for Food Bank Juniors Club where they will learn the importance of reducing food wastage and that the food they eat every day is not to be taken for granted by getting involved in various hands on activities, excursions as well as by helping out at the warehouse.

You can also make food donations by dropping them off at selected locations or monetary donations. If you are interested in finding out other ways that you can get involved in with your kids, you can drop them an email (juniorsclub@foodbank.sg) as well. 

2. The Soup Kitchen Project

Source: The Soup Kitchen Project

Since the start of The Soup Kitchen Project, it has filled the stomachs of hundreds. Every Tuesday from 5.15 pm to 7.45 pm people from all over Singapore come together to donate their time to pack and deliver vegetarian meals to lower-income people in the Jalan Besar/Lavender Street area. You can also drop in with your little ones to lend a hand to their efforts. 

3. The Green Volunteers

Source: The Green Volunteers

The Green Volunteers actively work towards environmental conservation through projects such as mangrove clean-ups and reforestation. If you and your little ones love all things nature or simply want to do your part for a greener landscape, and don’t mind getting dirty, then you can consider joining in their efforts. Do note that there is a cap on the amount of people per session. You can stay updated on their efforts on their Facebook page and if you wish to join in their project, you can drop them a message.

4. Trash Hero Singapore

Source: Trash Hero Singapore

To protect our natural environment, we have to consistently keep our space clean and reduce waste, among other things. And home is not the only place where you can put that notion into practice. Trash Hero Singapore has been organizing community-based projects that remove existing waste and reduce future waste by inspiring long-term behaviour change. You can contribute towards a cleaner nation by joining in their clean-up sessions held around Singapore. Each session has a limit to the number of participants due to the current Covid-19 safety measures. Drop Trash Hero Singapore a message on Facebook to find out more.

5. Lions Befrienders

Source: Lions Befrienders

More often than not, older people may feel pushed aside and alone. Lions Befrienders is here to ensure that our elderly do not feel lonely by connecting with them, keeping them socially involved and providing them with the support they need.

One of the different ways you can volunteer is by befriending a senior, listening and conversing with them. Some of their stories may just amaze you and though it may not seem like much, you can brighten up a person’s day simply by keeping them company. While you have to be at least 18 years old to be a Volunteer Befriender, those below 18 can accompany their parents or relative. Do note that you have to be able to commit on a long term basis for weekly home visits.

6. Giving.sg

Source: Giving.sg

Giving.sg is a one-stop platform where you can choose to donate, fundraise or volunteer for any of the registered non-profit organizations in Singapore. You can find hundreds of volunteer opportunities on their site and they all vary in their activity and cause, from animal welfare and environment to elderly, children and arts. For parents who wish to bring their children along to a volunteer activity, you are encouraged to consult with the person of the activity beforehand.

Please do note that there are strict restrictions and safety measures in place due to the ongoing pandemic and directives may defer for each organization. As such we encourage you to check with the respective organization to avoid any disappointment.