If you're looking for a way to give back to society in Singapore, donating your gently-used things helps the less fortunate and declutters your home
Here’s the downside of living in a shopping paradise: we’re guilty of having more than we need. With all the fab places to shop in Singapore – local stores, weekend markets and new malls – it’s easy to become wrapped up in our material comforts with little thought for the less fortunate. Do you know where you can donate in Singapore? If you’re no longer enjoying – or making use of – clothes and household goods, and you’d like to make a difference (but lack the extra time to volunteer), donating your preloved items is a great way to give back to the community while decluttering your home. Before you start scouring for things to give away, here’s a selection of shelters and charities in Singapore for you to donate your used goods.
P.S If you’d prefer to give a monetary donation to the charity of your choice, check out 100 People Doing Good.
Donate to the EcoBazaar and help raise funds for children
Dates extended – donate until 9 February!
Where: Unsure of what to do with your gently loved items in good condition? EcoBank, an initiative by City Developments Limited and Eco-Business, welcomes your donations from 5 to 26 January at various locations. These items will then be sold at the EcoBazaar from 2 to 4 March at City Square Mall, and all proceeds will go to The Children’s Charities Association of Singapore. If unsold, items will go to the Association and MINDS Thrift Shop to keep the love going.
What: Toys, clothes, books and accessories in good condition can be donated at the various collection points including Republic Plaza, Quayside Isle, City Square Mall and Manulife Centre.
EcoBank, collection drive from 5 January to 9 February. EcoBazaar from 2 to 4 March at City Square Mall’s B1 Fountain Square, 10am to 8pm.
Encourage textile recycling by letting go of your old clothes
Where: The H&M global garment collecting initiative promotes textile recycling (tons of clothes end up in landfills every year!) and reduces waste. Your old clothes will be given a new lease of life by either being marketed as second-hand goods or reprocessed as textile fibres or insulation materials if they’re no longer suitable for wear.
What: Donate your pre-loved clothes. Whether they’re worn, torn or completely out of style, they’re worthy of being donated to this initiative. Simply drop them off at the nearest outlet – and you’ll receive a 15% off voucher for each bag donated (max of 2 vouchers daily).
H&M, various locations.
Give household goods to help migrant workers living in shelters
Where: The Humanitarian Organisation of Migrant Economics (HOME) is an anti-trafficking body that aims to celebrate and protect a migrant worker’s dignity and rights. With about 1.2 million migrant workers in Singapore, HOME has helped countless migrants, some of whom are survivors of human trafficking or forced labour. HOME also provides shelter, health screenings and a variety of vocational courses through HOME Academy.
What: Household items, such as detergent, cleaning chemicals and toiletries will help those living in HOME shelters. HOME Academy welcomes items to further training, such as desktop computers, laptops, household appliances, and healthcare equipment. Monetary donations can also be made online here.
HOME, 304 Orchard Road#06-22, Lucky Plaza. e. contact@home.org.sg.
Feed the needy by providing canned food or dried goods
Where: Foodbank, a place for companies and people to deposit or donate unwanted food for the needy. Founded by two passionate people with a determination to fight hunger and reduce food wastage, Foodbank supplies its beneficiaries with food items via a network of partners, including voluntary welfare organisations (VWOs), charities and soup kitchens.
What: Make a deposit, such as canned food or dried goods, at the Foodbank bank boxes in various locations such as Forum the Shopping Mall and City Square Mall. Or adopt a Bank Box, which you can place at home or in your office, so people can contribute unopened and unexpired goods. Email enquiries@foodbank.sg to receive one today.
Foodbank, 39 Keppel Road, #01-02/04, Tanjong Pagar Distripark, Singapore 089065.
Empower the intellectually disabled by supporting their vocational training and donating items for fund-raising
Where: The Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore (MINDS) aims to empower persons with intellectual disability and help them participate as fully as possible in society. MINDS shop stocks a constantly updated range of carefully selected furniture, clothes and collectibles, and house ware and acts as a great avenue for the intellectually disabled to learn how to interact with customers.
What: Donate apparels, houseware, furniture and collectibles. For bulky items requiring pickup services, contact Linda Yusop at shawalindah.hq@minds.org.sg or at her mobile at 8180 2095.
Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore (MINDS) Shop, various locations.
Donate clothes and accessories to help survivors of domestic violence
Where: The Singapore Council of Women’s Organisations (SWCO) is the national coordinating body of women’s organisations in Singapore. Its New2U thrift shop is a favourite amongst hipsters and vintage-loving bargain hunters – the store is a treasure trove of hidden gems like past season designer goods or preloved statement pieces. All proceeds from sales go to Star Shelter, a refuge for survivors of domestic violence, or the various SCWO initiatives. Right now, the store is on hiatus and not taking further donations due to space constraints, but keep a lookout on the New2U Facebook page for updates. It’s due to re-open any minute: shop away at the store and extend a helping hand – all items (except books, jewellery, watches and toys) go at half price on the last two working days of each month!
What: Donate clothes (men, women and young children), shoes, bags and accessories, books and toys. Clearly indicate “Donation for New2U” on your package.
SCWO New2U Thrift Shop. Donations can be dropped at SCWO Centre, 96 Waterloo Street, Singapore 187967. Mon to Sun, 9am to 8pm.
Fund various charities by donating your gently-used assorted goods
Where: The Salvation Army is our favourite spot for hunting down vintage knick knacks and furniture. Committed to lending a helping hand to the underprivileged, its programmes reach out to different aspects of the community like the elderly, families in material need and children who need care and protection.
What: This charitable organisation accepts donations for a variety of things: clothes, books, toys, household goods and even stationery. You can also make monetary donations online or look into options like child sponsorship and fundraising. For donations of bulky items like furniture, arrange for a collection service by making an online booking at Red Shield Industries or emailing donor@SMM.salvationarmy.org. More information is available here.
Salvation Army Singapore, various locations. Make sure the items you wish to give away are in good condition before dropping them off at these locations.
Give household goods to help the needy and low-income families
Where: Started by Central Singapore CDC, this non-profit project works as an online platform to distribute unwanted items to the needy and low-income families in Singapore, via Voluntary Welfare Organisations (think Family Service and Senior Citizen Centres).
What: Home appliances, furniture, medical aids, mobility aids as well as learning aids. Monetary donations can also be made online here. Take a look at this wish list to donate specific items.
Pass it On, The Helping Hand, 819 Upper Serangoon Road, Singapore 534678, p. 8511 9160, e. passiton@thehelphand.org
Help feed stray dogs by donating kibble
Where: SOSD seeks to be the voice of homeless stray dogs – these guys rescue, rehome and nurse the sick ones back to health. They do not own shelters, and pay exorbitant amounts to board their rescues in rented kennels, on top of vet, and trapping fees. To help take a load off their hands, help by reducing the cost of their dogs’ daily feeds.
What: Kibble, chewables, flea and tick protection, puppy milk, towels, dog crates and supplements.
SOSD, e.fundraising@sosd.org.sg