Migrant workers with salaries of $18 a day cannot afford bicycles; charity asks for donations

A not-for-profit organization has reached out to the public for donations to equip migrant workers with bicycles to help them easily reach their dormitories and work sites.

ItsRainingRaincoats (IRR), a group that champions the needs of Singapore’s migrant workers, said on June 3 that many workers walk a long distance around their dormitories and work sites or even getting to and from their nearest public transport stations.

“Bikes are very useful for them, but they can’t exactly afford new bikes on salaries of S$18 a day,” the post noted.

IRR then explained that it has been collecting preloved and new bicycles from donors to give to the workers.

The group extended the opportunity to donate a bike to the public. “We only ask that the bikes be suitable for adult men, be in good working condition and with locks. If helmets can be provided, that’s even better,” said IRR.

Members from the online community quickly responded to the post, offering their bicycles or directing the group to a possible source for used bikes.

“Hi. May I suggest approaching town councils as they have issues with abandoned bikes. I saw many of them still in good condition. I’m talking about Yishun estate, not sure about others,” wrote Facebook user Aldrin Izzah Arifin.

“A suggestion. I have seen a lot of bikes abandoned in condominium carparks by the look of the rusty parts,” added Facebook user Ng Sock Hoon.

Another Facebook page commented that it might be possible to reach out to shared bike service companies that have ceased operations as this would put their abandoned bikes to good use.

IRR said that it had a long waiting list of workers needing bicycles. Interested donors can reach out to the group through a private message./TISG

S$10,000 raised by S’porean for migrant worker raincoats amid rainy weather