Singapore — Instead of the usual food packages or clothes, several migrant workers received an out-of-the-box gift of Bluetooth headphones for calling their families back home.
ItsRainingRaincoats, a group whose goal is to “spread kindness” to Singapore’s migrant workers, came up with the idea of giving them headphones as a gift this holiday season.
“Looking for Xmas ideas for our migrant brothers?,” the group asked in a Facebook post on Nov 30.”
“Bluetooth headphones are a real luxury for our migrant workers.
They can’t afford them but they find them tremendously useful. If you’re looking for a great idea for Xmas gifts for our migrant brothers look no further,” ItsRainingRaincoats added.
Moreover, several residents of Yio Chu Kang have got a jump start on holiday giving.
The residents of Hundred Palms Residence who bought Bluetooth headphones and volunteers from ItsRainingRaincoats gave out these last weekend.
“Xmas came early for them,” the group added, sharing photos of the distribution.
ItsRainingRaincoats’ drive to spread cheer and kindness to migrant workers does not end there, in fact, the month-long campaign will properly begin on Dec 10.
“#WeHaveADream,” the group wrote on its giving page.
“Our Christmas edition is back for its fourth year. Every year, Singaporeans have helped us get closer to our goal of reaching out to each of the 750,000 migrant workers on the island with a small token of appreciation during the festive season.
This year, given the challenges the migrant worker community has faced, there is an even bigger impetus to make it special for them!”
Aside from Bluetooth headphones, generous Singaporeans may also donate towels, power banks, Tiger Balm or other similar products, toiletries such as body wash and shampoo, umbrellas, raincoats, backpacks, 2L water bottles, kettles, hot plates, caps, sunglasses, or socks.
For those who prefer to donate food, dried fruit and nuts, 3-in-1 coffee, energy bars, chocolates, and biscuits are preferred, the group said.
Donors may also give items that are not on the list, but they are asked to coordinate with ItsRainingRaincoats, because the workers have limited storage space.
“We prefer to give them items they will like and use,” the group advised. They have also asked that gifts be new and already gift-wrapped for easy distribution.
Other ways to donate to migrant workers may be found on their page.
These initiatives are in support of SG Cares Giving Week, held from Dec 1 to 7, which “celebrates the spirit of giving and seeks to make giving part of our way of life”. /TISG
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