Give Back with the 25 Best Volunteer Centres in Singapore
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Give Back with the 26 Best Volunteer Centres in Singapore

Donations are good, but volunteering is the bomb! It’s a great way to make your community a better place with hands-on help.

Plus, you can do it solo or with a group to get more people involved. 

So if you’re looking for ways to give back, here are some trustworthy volunteer organisations for you to consider. 

1. SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)

Advocacy: Animal welfare

Location: 50 Sungei Tengah Road, Singapore 699012

Website: https://spca.org.sg/ 

Contact no.: +65 6287 5355

It’s rewarding to be an animal volunteer in Singapore, especially in groups like the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. As a volunteer, you’ll be rewarded with happy purrs, barks, licks, and cuddles, making everything worth it.

The group encourages the adoption, rehoming, and temporary fostering of abandoned, unwanted, or abused animals. Several pals of mine have contributed their time and talent as animal rescue officers (and even their veterinarian services).

So if you believe that all animals deserve respect and kindness, you’ll be glad to know that there are several volunteer roles waiting to be filled at SPCA. You can also check the current career or internship openings to see if your skills match them.

Volunteer tip: There are current internship openings if you want to go beyond volunteering.

2. Singapore Red Cross

Advocacy: Blood donor programme, civil emergency response

Location: 15 Penang Lane Singapore 238486

Website: https://www.redcross.sg/ 

Contact no.: +65 6664 0500

Singapore Red Cross hardly needs an introduction, as it’s one of the most recognisable volunteer organisations in the country. Its primary programme is blood donation, but it also needs the involvement of kind-hearted volunteers to operate smoothly.

The organisation runs on volunteer help all year round. It’s become one of our workplace’s favourite ways of giving back because the tasks are diverse and interesting. 

Currently, Singapore Red Cross is looking for those who can do administration assistance, manage sales and logistics, help organise events, and become befrienders. You can also volunteer if you have a driver’s license or any professional expertise.

Volunteer tip: Can’t donate blood? One of its volunteer programmes requires special skills like photography, first aid, and driving.

3. Youth Corps Singapore

Advocacy: Empowering and supporting youths aged 15 to 35

Location: The Red Box 113 Somerset Road Singapore 238165 

Website: https://www.youthcorps.gov.sg/en 

Contact no.: (65) 6908 2500

There’s more to being a young person than school, shopping, or slacking off. Thankfully, Youth Corps Singapore has redefined community service by empowering and supporting young people since 2014.

What’s great about this group is that it offers volunteer programmes and the Youth Expedition Project. The latter is a service learning programme that brings deeper cultural awareness through volunteering overseas.

A teenage cousin of mine has been aspiring to get a YEP grant to get a more thorough understanding and perspective of other countries. Beyond that, she wants to share a project that could contribute to meaningful global partnerships.

I think she’s on the right track with Youth Corps Singapore!

Volunteer tip: Want to deepen your volunteering experience? Then try the regular volunteering programmes which require multiple sessions!

4. Singapore Cancer Society

Advocacy: Cancer awareness and support

Location: 30 Hospital Blvd, #16-02 NCCS Building, Singapore 168583

Website: https://www.singaporecancersociety.org.sg/ 

Contact no.: +65 1800 727 3333

Nobody wants to lose someone they love to cancer. That’s why the Singapore Cancer Society’s mission is to reduce cancer incidence through effective programmes and greater community action.

Becoming involved in this organisation means developing the skills and sensitivity required to work with the cancer community. 

Volunteers from all walks of life are encouraged to participate and be screened by talent or skill to match with specific tasks. To get involved, you can take part in various activities aiming to address the different stages of a cancer patient’s journey. 

And no, you don’t need a medical background to make a difference here. 

Volunteer tip: Volunteers are needed for a minimum commitment of 12 hours per year, so make sure you’re ready before you commit.

5. Ronald McDonald House Charities Singapore (RMHC)

Advocacy: Programmes for children’s health and well-being

Location: 5 Lower Kent Ridge Road National University Hospital, Main Building Level 4 Singapore 119074

Website: https://rmhc.sg/ 

Contact no.: +65 6778 1934

It’s hard not to immediately associate McDonald’s with burgers and fries, but the Ronald McDonald House Charities Singapore is much more than fast food. It’s an organisation that cares for hospitalised kids and their families.

RMHC has become a preferred children’s charity since it operates in dozens of countries and is in constant need of volunteers. I’ve heard good things about the volunteer experience in this organisation from those who want to help sick children.

At the moment, COVID restrictions have paused the volunteering process. But you can register your interest in any of RMHC’s volunteer programmes to be considered in the near future.

Volunteer tip: You’ll need to be at least 16 years to register for volunteer opportunities.

6. Willing Hearts

Advocacy: Soup kitchen

Location: No. 1 Lorong J Telok Kurau Singapore 425792

Website: https://willinghearts.org.sg/ 

Contact no.: +65 6476 5822

Here’s your chance to be a food volunteer at a trusted charity organisation in Singapore. Willing Hearts’ mission is to provide food daily to the underprivileged elderly and children, handicapped and bedridden people, divorcees, and migrant workers.

The charity does this every single day of the year. So if you have the time and inclination, you can significantly contribute to its operations to help marginalised people in your community. 

You can opt to cook food or be a food-packing volunteer. You can also drive and deliver to the centre’s distribution points using your personal vehicle or a Willing Hearts van.

Suffice it to say that Willing Hearts is run entirely by volunteers like you and me, along with a hardworking staff. Beyond being a soup kitchen, it gives hope to poverty-stricken families, migrant workers, and other vulnerable members of society.

Volunteer tip: Volunteer opportunities have three specific daily time slots and are limited to 30 people for each.

7. Animal Research and Education Society (ACRES)

Advocacy: Compassionate and sustainable animal protection in Asia

Location: 91 Jalan Lekar Singapore 698917

Website: https://acres.org.sg/ 

Contact no.: +65 9783 7782

Want to be a wildlife or animal volunteer in Singapore? I can’t think of a better place to do so than at the Animal Research and Education Society.

Volunteers are needed for both ACRES’ outreach and wildlife rescue programmes. If you’re interested in registering for the latter, you’ll need to undergo a full day’s training to ensure safety and readiness.

My best friend’s experience with ACRES was a fulfilling and enlightening one. Wildlife rescue and rehabilitation is a long-term commitment, so it taught her responsibility and patience by doing at least one volunteer shift a month for six months.

Volunteer tip: You must be at least 14 years old to volunteer at the ACRES Wildlife Sanctuary programme.

8. Food From the Heart

Advocacy: Food charity and distribution

Location: 130 Joo Seng Road #03-01 Singapore 368357

Website: https://www.foodfromtheheart.sg/ 

Contact no.: 6280 4483

Now here’s a simple but effective way to give back as a family. Food From the Heart is a food distribution organisation that needs regular volunteers to do bread runs, food packing, food delivery, and other uncomplicated tasks.

You can take your kids to do a bread run and collect food surplus from bakeries and other retail shops. The collected bread is still good for consumption and is packed and delivered to those in need via distribution points across Singapore.

Community packing is another great programme at Food From the Heart. Volunteers sort through the donated food and pack them into singles and family sizes for easier distribution later on.

Volunteer tip: Don’t own a vehicle? You can also help with sorting, packing, event assistance organisation, or volunteering your skills and talents, instead.

9. Action for Singapore Dogs

Advocacy: No-kill charity for stray and abandoned dogs

Location: 80 Lim Chu Kang Lane 1, Singapore 718911

Website: http://www.asdsingapore.com/ 

Contact no.: [email protected]

Looking for volunteer work for students during their school break? Action for Singapore Dogs is always looking for volunteers to rescue, rehome, and care for strays and abandoned dogs. 

The group also runs a no-kill shelter that needs constant fundraising and a wider awareness to keep it running. ASD partners with schools so students can set up a table with merchandise to raise awareness for the organisation’s cause, too.

Several of my pals have rehomed and fostered dogs as a direct contribution to stray overpopulation and in the spirit of “adopt, don’t shop.” But I think contributing your time and skills to Action for Singapore Dogs is equally noble and helpful, too.

So whether you want to be a volunteer at the adoption and rescue centre or simply be an ambassador for ASD, your contribution can make a huge difference in the life of a stray or abandoned dog.

Volunteer tip: You can also rescue, rehome, or foster dogs if you want to make a difference. 

There’s a one-month minimum period, and you have to commit to properly feeding, socialising, and doing daily reports on the foster dog, so make sure you’re ready!

10. Silver Ribbon

Advocacy: Mental health awareness

Location: H.O.L.A., Block 208 Serangoon Central, #01-238, Singapore 550208 

Website: https://www.silverribbonsingapore.com/ 

Contact no.: (65) 6386 1928

To be an effective mental health volunteer in Singapore, you’ll need to be able to provide emotional support while helping to debunk misconceptions about mental health. This is also what Silver Ribbon advocates.

The people I know who’ve volunteered at Silver Ribbon are over 35 years old and have taken on the roles of event flyer designers, coordinators, and speakers. But the organisation also has a youth chapter for those aged 35 and below.

I think it’s also great that Silver Ribbon gives back to its volunteers via LAVA (Let’s Appreciate Volunteers Annually) events. 

They have karaoke, BBQ parties, and makan sessions as a way to say a heartfelt thank you to the people who lend a hand (and heart).

Volunteer tip: Memberships are open to all ages, but those below 18 years old need written parental consent.

11. Habitat for Humanity Singapore

Advocacy: Building and rehabilitating homes for vulnerable Singapore families

Location: 56 Lorong 23 Geylang Century Technology Building, #05-00 Singapore 388381

Website: https://www.habitat.org.sg/ 

Contact no.: +65 6744 7326

While most people in Singapore look forward to getting HDB BTO flats, some unfortunate ones have to live in slums or be in vulnerable housing situations. Luckily, there’s Habitat for Humanity to help provide livable shelters and stable homes.

It’s one of the most popular places to volunteer in Singapore, as it has countless beneficiaries to support. But the volunteers who actually build a house need to be aware of the laborious aspects of it, especially in hot and humid conditions.

Don’t worry if you don’t think you can participate as a Project HomeWorks volunteer, though. Habitat for Humanity also needs neighbourhood cleaners and skilled people who can do graphic design, photography, video editing, and other tasks for the org.

Volunteer tip: There’s also a volunteer neighbourhood cleanup called BlockWalk!

12. Pink Dot Singapore

Advocacy: Support for LGBT Singaporeans

Location: https://linktr.ee/pinkdotsg 

Website: https://pinkdot.sg/ 

Contact no.: [email protected] 

If you believe that everyone is free to love who they want, then Pink Dot might just be the ideal place where you can share your time, passion, and talents. The group has significantly grown with over 500 dedicated volunteers to help with different tasks.

Acceptance and awareness are at the forefront of Pink Dot’s advocacies. So if you know someone struggling to be accepted and supported because of their sexual orientation, you can help them by volunteering.

Pink Dot’s culminating activity happens once a year with a live event at Hong Lim Park during Pride Month. You can show your support by signing up for volunteer work—or even by just showing up at the Pink Dot event!

In case you want to heed the Pink Dot event volunteer call, make sure to fill up this online form to get more information on the day’s activities.

Volunteer tip: Sign up for the Pink Dot volunteer mailing list to get updates on volunteer opportunities.

13. Singapore Children’s Society

Advocacy: To protect and nurture children and youth of all races and religions

Location: 210 Middle Road, #05-03, Singapore 188994

Website: https://www.childrensociety.org.sg/ 

Contact no.: 6273 2010

Kids are some of the community’s most vulnerable members. That’s why the Singapore Children’s Society makes it a point to reach out to promote their well-being and protect them from abuse and neglect.

The group needs regular volunteers who can commit at least six months to one year. But don’t worry if you can’t see yourself doing this level of commitment because volunteers for ad-hoc or one-time projects are also needed.

Training and supervision will be provided by the Singapore Children’s Society staff especially those who’ll work directly with young kids. Please note that screening procedures are strict and can take up to a month for safety and security.

Volunteer tip: Direct service volunteers must go through an interview and a screening by the Singapore Children’s Society or the Ministry of Social and Family Development (MSF).

14. Arts and Disability Singapore

Advocacy: To empower persons with disabilities through the arts

Location: 133 Bedok North Avenue 3 #01-138, Singapore 460133

Website: https://www.artdis.org.sg/ 

Contact no.: +65 6448 6275

For over a quarter of a century, Arts and Disability Singapore (or ART:DIS Singapore) has been running art programmes for special-needs kids and adults. It adopts the Enabling Masterplan to empower those with disabilities in creative ways. 

If you want to embrace diversity in the society you’re in, you can volunteer at ART:DIS. There are different activities to volunteer in: facilitating, befriending, and more activities on an as-needed basis.

What ART:DIS volunteers directly contribute to its students goes beyond art discovery and well into developing discipline, coordination, passion, and self-confidence. So if you want to give a voice to those with special needs, you can start here.

Volunteer tip: Fill up this form to become a volunteer and the organisation will get back to you in a couple of days

15. Beyond Social Services

Advocacy: Support for less privileged youth to break away from the poverty cycle

Location: 26 Jalan Klinik #01-42/52, Singapore, Singapore

Website: https://www.beyond.org.sg/ 

Contact no.: +65 6375 2940

Charity work in Singapore is often geared towards breaking the cycle of poverty. Beyond Social Services is a group that recognises this and has decided to do something concrete about helping underprivileged youth using various resources.

There are many different ways to get involved in this worthy cause, and they don’t require a huge commitment from volunteers. Some of my colleagues have shared different skills and hobbies with the youth and encouraged them to stay in school.

So it really takes very little to make a change for vulnerable children. By volunteering at Beyond Social Services, lending a hand, a willing ear, and some of your time and caring, you can create a huge impact on their future.

Volunteer tip: There’s a once-a-month volunteer orientation for prospective volunteers and befrienders. 

16. ReadAble

Advocacy: Fostering literacy among children

Location: The Sixth Avenue Residences, 168 Sixt Avenue, SG 276543

Website: https://www.readablesg.com/ 

Contact no.: [email protected] 

You can pass on your love for reading and writing via ReadAble. It’s an organisation that promotes literacy in the belief that it can beat poverty one word at a time.

ReadAble is always open to volunteers who can plan lessons on reading and counting, teachers with prior experience in early education, and other teaching roles.

You can do volunteer tutoring in Singapore and instil a love of learning with weekly classes and one-on-one home-based lessons. 

The group also has volunteer tutors who teach spoken English to the students’ migrant moms to help them adjust to daily life here. 

A close friend loved the voluntary work she’s done with ReadAble because she also received helpful training to come up with best practices for teaching. And it allowed her to customise her teaching methods according to each child’s learning needs.

Volunteer tip: The organisation is currently in need of volunteer teachers, lesson planners, and others with special skills and prior experience in early education. 

17. Lion’s Befrienders

Advocacy: Befriending and caring for seniors

Location: Block 130 Bukit Merah View, #01-358, Singapore 150130

Website: https://www.lionsbefrienders.org.sg 

Contact no.: 1800 375 8600

Lion’s Befrienders accepts volunteer work in Singapore for the elderly. These seniors and geriatric community members can always do with a friendly chat and gentle reminders about taking medication and other eldercare services.

Volunteer opportunities are plentiful at Lion’s Befrienders, so you can opt for something that suits your skills, experience, and schedule. You can provide companionship, be a centre volunteer, or help the elderly with self-monitoring activities.

My cousin is a constant Medical Buddy at Lion’s Befrienders. His tasks range from being the elderly’s medical escort to medical appointments to checking the accuracy of prescriptions and medication for his ward.

Suffice it to say he finds it a fulfilling and worthy activity to fill his spare time. And he loves the delighted laughter and gummy smiles he gets from the senior beneficiaries, too!

Volunteer tip: There’s a volunteer handbook if you’re interested in learning the organisation’s terms and services.

18. Causes For Animals

Advocacy: One-stop non-profit for local shelter or animal welfare organisation needs

Location: 59 Sungei Tengah Rd, Singapore 699014, The Animal Lodge, Blk V #02-51/52

Website: https://www.causesforanimals.com/ 

Contact no.: 9793 7162 / 9697 3491

Does your heart bleed a little (or a lot) when you see helpless strays or abandoned pets? Do you wish everyone knows basic dog care and want to educate people on responsible pet ownership?

If so, you’ll be a much-valued addition to the roster of volunteers at Causes for Animals Singapore. You can make a huge difference by becoming an education specialist who can do weekday talks about CAS programmes in schools and other public institutions.

You can also advocate for adoption by becoming an adoption assistant or helping out at events. The adoption programme does require rigorous training and a commitment of at least six months to check if you’re ready to uphold animal rights.

Volunteer tip: The organisation needs people who are good at photography, design, writing, event and adoption assistance, and more.

19. Singapore Council of Women’s Organisations

Advocacy: Helping to foster women’s rights

Location: SCWO Centre 96 Waterloo Street Singapore 187967

Website: https://www.scwo.org.sg 

Contact no.: 6837 0611

Women’s rights violations have been steadily rising, with cases like assault, the use of criminal force, intimidation, and wrongful confinement greatly contributing to alarming statistics. 

Hopefully, a woman you know and care about isn’t part of it. But you can rest assured that there’s a group actively working to do something about these incidents.

The Singapore Council of Women’s Associations was established to work towards the ideal of “Equal Space, Equal Voice and Equal Worth” for all Singapore women. 

Its mission is for women to be free of harassment, discrimination, violence, and sexual assault.

The good news is that you don’t have to be a lawyer to foster women’s welfare. You can be a volunteer at the Singapore Council of Women’s Associations and share your time, resources, and skills with its various programmes.

Volunteer tip: You can volunteer your time, services, fundraising expertise, and organisational or collaborative skills, and do other things to support this cause. 

20. Race2Share

Advocacy: Sports as a tool and platform for positive change

Location: [email protected] 

Website: https://race2share.myshopmatic.com/ 

Contact no.: +65 9711 7934 

If you’re the sporty or athletic type, maybe it’s time to put on those running shoes and get physical for a great cause. Race2Share needs people like you who are willing to empower marginalised people through sports.

It’s the organisation’s belief that sports is a basic human right and that everyone should have access to fitness facilities and sporting programmes regardless of their background. 

It has raised awareness of noteworthy causes like HIV, foreign domestic worker support, and special needs school children. The group has even brought their events to other Asian countries.

You can participate in these causes by supporting the various Race2Share events and activities held year-round. But it’s best to give the office a call to know specific volunteering tasks that need to be filled.

Volunteer tip: There’s a variety of causes supported by this group, so you’ll have plenty of options to volunteer for one you’re passionate about.

21. Mummy Yummy Singapore

Advocacy: Vegan and vegetarian food support programme

Location: 20 Jln Pari Burong, Singapore 488686

Website: Official Facebook page 

Contact no.: +65 6246 3558 

Mummy Yummy combines two advocacies under one roof. It feeds dozens of hungry beneficiaries daily with freshly-cooked vegetarian and vegan meals.

Even eating regular meals means dining for a good cause, thanks to the eatery’s “pay-as-you-wish” model. I like that it doesn’t put a price on food and encourages diners to give the amount they feel like contributing.

The Mummy Yummy stalls also sell S$1 food packets for those who might be short on their food budget. You can opt to get food packets direct from stalls and have friends distribute them to the neighbourhood of your choosing, too. 

So if being a food volunteer or plant-based food advocate is something you see yourself doing, you can give back by participating in Mummy Yummy’s feeding programmes. By doing so, you can help fill a hungry tummy with a nourishing meal.

Volunteer tip: You can “adopt” a neighbourhood you want to feed with your friends.

22. Babes Pregnancy Crisis Support

Advocacy: Support for pregnant teenagers

Location: Blk 328 Sembawang Crescent #01-02 S750328 

Website: https://www.babes.org.sg/ 

Contact no.: 6206 6641 

Sometimes, pregnancy isn’t something you’re prepared for and are ready to deal with. When this happens, who do you turn to?

Babes Pregnancy Crisis Support has a 24/7 helpline and other programmes and services designed to reach out and support pregnant teenagers. I know of someone who was aided by Babes and who is now a happy mom to a healthy baby girl.

The group’s service-based volunteer opportunities include manning the 27/7 helpline, becoming a befriender, and participating in ad hoc and skills-based events. Knowing just how much help Babes extends, I won’t hesitate to sign up as a volunteer here.

Volunteer tip: The minimum period of commitment will depend on the assignment, as its usually on a case-by-case basis.

23. Edible Garden City

Advocacy: Grow-your-own food movement

Location: 60 Jalan Penjara, Singapore 149375

Website: https://www.ediblegardencity.com/ 

Contact no.: +65 8817 4054 

If you’ve always wanted to be an environment volunteer in Singapore, I highly recommend Edible Garden City. And nope, it doesn’t just give urban gardening tips but advocates growing your own food!

As a volunteer, be ready to get your hands dirty in the name of sustainable urban food gardening. You’ll also learn about some of its key projects, including turning ornamental gardens into edible ones and organising educational programmes to raise awareness.

I inquired about volunteering at Edible Garden City but was advised to contact them again when demands aren’t as high. I’m crossing my fingers that I’ll be hearing from the office soon as it’s a lifestyle I’m interested in!

Volunteer tip: Outdoor work could be physically demanding, so make sure you’re in the pink of health before getting involved.

24. Touch Community Services

Advocacy: Multi-generational charity and support organisation

Location: Blk 162 Bukit Merah Central #05-3545 Singapore 150162

Website: https://www.touch.org.sg/ 

Contact no.: (65) 6377 0122

Now here’s some ideal volunteer work for students and the youth. Touch Community Services first started as a charity helping latchkey children find support but has since grown to accommodate other members of society.

Today, it has touched numerous lives with programmes and activities aiming to build a community of givers and supporters. To do this, it needs regular donors and volunteers for causes like mentorship, befriending, and essential care.

You can get involved with regular or ad hoc volunteering for those with disabilities or special needs, the elderly, vulnerable kids and families, and others.

There’s so much to contribute to a worthy cause like Touch Community Services that it’s become a favourite giving-back activity among families and friends. So rally the troops and see what you can do for your community today.

Volunteer tip: Individuals or entire families can volunteer in different outreach activities.

25. Hope Centre

Advocacy: Extend Christ’s love to communities

Location: Singapore

Website: https://hopecentre.org.sg/

Contact no.: Contact them via their website

Our experience with Hope Centre left us impressed with their commitment to fostering a culture of volunteerism. The seamless registration process showcased their efficiency, as if they had a secret manual for streamlining bureaucracy. It was almost as if they had reinvented the art of paperwork – a feat worthy of a standing ovation.

In terms of services, Hope Centre didn’t just offer opportunities; they presented a smorgasbord of impactful initiatives. Our journey with them was akin to embarking on a gastronomic adventure, each volunteering opportunity a unique flavor of social change. From community outreach to environmental projects, their menu of altruism catered to diverse tastes, leaving us feeling socially satiated.

Quality is where Hope Centre truly shines; it’s like they’ve bottled excellence and sprinkled it across their operations. The meticulous attention to detail in project planning and execution was a testament to their dedication to making a genuine impact. It was like witnessing a well-choreographed dance of benevolence, with every step perfectly timed for maximum positive influence.

As advocates of fiscal responsibility, we appreciate a good deal. Hope Centre not only delivered value but also managed to turn the act of giving into a cost-effective venture. It was as if they had cracked the code to generosity on a budget – a refreshing departure from the misconception that making a difference must come with a hefty price tag. Our pockets remained unburdened, and our hearts, pleasantly full.

Volunteer tip: Play a role in bringing hope into the hearts of people.

26. Yellow Ribbon

Advocacy: Support and second chances for ex-offenders

Location: 980 Upper Changi Road North Singapore 507708

Website: https://www.yellowribbon.gov.sg/ 

Contact no.: 1800 741 5567

In a country that’s quick to punish offenders, I’m glad that Yellow Ribbon exists as one of the most compassionate places to volunteer in Singapore. It’s a group that helps provide second chances to ex-offenders to give them a dignified new life.

To help them re-enter society, Yellow Ribbon holds training programmes for lifelong skills development and offers employment assistance. It also encourages employers to register with Yellow Ribbon’s online job portal to give ex-offenders gainful employment.

So if you can see yourself helping with aftercare assistance to former inmates and ex-offenders, sign up as a volunteer for the group’s different events and activities. You can also be trained to take part in home visits to truly make an impact.

Volunteer tip: The centre is closed at lunchtime from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM, so plan your visit accordingly.

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