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Where to Volunteer in Singapore: Charities, Welfare Groups & NGOs

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ExpertsPost Category - ExpertsExpertsLearnPost Category - LearnLearnFamily LifePost Category - Family LifeFamily Life

Looking to volunteer in Singapore in 2024? We’ve rounded up different charities in Singapore with volunteering programmes with a special mention of the charities that allow you to volunteer with kids

There are more than 2,000 charities in Singapore, so if you’re overwhelmed by where to begin if you want to volunteer in Singapore – we’re here to help! We’ve outlined lots of charities within Singapore where you can volunteer your time, with a special call out to those that accept kids in their volunteering programmes. We’ve grouped the charities by cause, from volunteering opportunities with disadvantaged communities to volunteering with kids in need, volunteering with animals and more. Once you’ve picked your charity of choice, learn about these five things to consider BEFORE you volunteer. And if you don’t have time to commit to volunteering, but still want to do some good you can donate pre-loved toys, books and more to lend a helping hand.

Read more: Browse our Sassy Mama Supports series for more stories like these!

One-stop Volunteering Platform
Volunteering with Disadvantaged Communities
Volunteering with Kids in Singapore
Volunteering with Foreign Workers
Volunteering with Animal Charities
More volunteering in Singapore opportunities

Giving.sg: One-stop volunteering platform

Making volunteering and donating easy and seamless, Giving.sg is an all-encompassing platform that supports more than 600 registered charities; offering a wide range of volunteering opportunities from these organisations.

How you can help: From a skill-based volunteer at the Salvation Army to an Outreach volunteer at SG Cares Volunteer Centre, volunteers in Singapore can browse through the extensive list of volunteering opportunities available on the Giving.sg website and pick the organisation and role where you feel you can help best!

Can kids volunteer? It depends! With every organisation, there is a different age limit for the various volunteering opportunities. Do check the individual listings to see if kids can lend a hand.

Giving.sg, www.giving.sg


Volunteering with disadvantaged communities:

Beyond Social Services

volunteer singapore beyond social services
Image Credit: Beyond Social Services via Instagram

Beyond Social Services is a community of caring volunteers who are on a mission to help children and youth from less privileged backgrounds transform their lives through educational and development programmes. Their goal is to give each child a sense of belonging and purpose by empowering them with the right skill set they need to thrive in society, so that they will turn from negative influences.

How you can help: Whether you want to lead an activity for the kids or be a youth befriender, Beyond is always looking for volunteers in Singapore who want to make a difference in the less privileged community.

Can kids volunteer? Contact Beyond Social Services directly to enquire if you can volunteer with your kids.

 Beyond Social Services, 26 Jalan Klinik, #01-42/52, Singapore 160026, Tel: (+65) 6375 2940, www.beyond.org.sg


The Boys Brigade

volunteer singapore boys brigade

The Boys Brigade is a uniformed youth organisation and their BB Share-a-Gift Project is usually held at the end of the year. You can help by donating food supplies or money (either in person at AXS stations at Fairprice or online), during the Christmas season. BBSG is a great opportunity for families to do meaningful charity work, while also getting the unique opportunity to interact face-to-face with beneficiaries (including low-income families and individuals, and vulnerable children in the KIDstart Programme).

How you can help: Collection for BBSG food hampers this year has already begun! Make your donation through the different platforms from 22 November – 18 December 2023 to show your support. If you have a car you can consider signing up to volunteer to deliver BBSG Food Hamper Deliveries which will run from 5 – 27 December 2023 (Excluding eve of and on Public Holidays). Registration details can be found here.

Can kids volunteer? Yes!

The Boys Brigade


Care Corner

volunteer singaporecare corner
Image credit: Care Corner SG via Facebook

Care Corner is a leading charity organisation providing social and healthcare services to uplift and promote well-being for those in need. Providing services to children, youth, families and the elderly, there’s a volunteering opportunity for everyone, of every age!

How you can help: If you’re looking for something regular, you can help by being a volunteer tutor, or a befriender at the community cafe they run for seniors, or going for walks with the elderly. Adhoc volunteering is also possible, by helping out at the various events they organise. You can find a list of all the opportunities here.

Can kids volunteer? Kids are definitely welcome to join! They can volunteer for family-friendly opportunities. Parents should be around when their child is volunteering. Depending on the age range, different arrangements can also be made. Just place a note in the volunteering form.

Care Corner


ONE Singapore: Volunteer to help end poverty

volunteer singapore ONE singapore
Image Credit: ONE Singapore via Instagram

Dedicated to raising public awareness about poverty, ONE Singapore links corporate and non-profit partners in a variety of projects that support their ultimate goal of putting an end to poverty and inequality.

How you can help: Volunteers in Singapore can help out with fundraising, fund management, grocery delivery and more. ONE is constantly looking for volunteers for a range of different roles (with varying levels of commitment depending on how much free time you’ve got on your hands).

Can kids volunteer? Yes! There is no age limit.

ONE Singapore, 218 Pandan Loop, Singapore 128408, www.onesingapore.org


Willing Hearts: Volunteer at a soup kitchen

volunteer singapore willing hearts
Image Credit: Willing Hearts via Facebook

A secular, non-affiliated charity, Willing Hearts is largely run by volunteers. It operates a soup kitchen that prepares, cooks and distributes about 11,000 daily meals to over 70 locations island wide, 365 days a year. There are four volunteer slots per day, and you can find the timings and registration details on the Willing Hearts website.

How you can help: Volunteers in Singapore can go in and help prepare ingredients for the soup kitchen (chopping vegetables, and other kitchen tasks), packing lunch boxes, cleaning and washing up (much needed).

Can kids volunteer? Willing Hearts encourages families with kids to volunteer as a unit with open arms and there is no age limit. However, as it is still a kitchen job, the safety and well-being of kids are of utmost importance, and parents are responsible for their kids especially those aged below 16.

Willing Hearts, 1 Lor J Telok Kurau, Singapore 425792, Tel: (+65) 6476 5822, www.willinghearts.org.sg


Free Food for All Singapore: Volunteering in Singapore

volunteer singapore free food for all
Image Credit: Free Food for All

Free Food for All is a registered charity in Singapore that aims to provide halal meals to those in need while minimising food waste. They first started distributing food twice weekly at Darul Aman Mosque in 2014, and soon word of their charity work spread to communities all over Singapore. They now run several programmes across a spectrum of communities in Singapore addressing food insecurity and food waste.

How you can help: FFFA is expanding services rendered and seeking volunteers who are able to commit time and resources to their various programmes. Whether you’d like to help with photography, videography or social media, just sign up using their volunteer form to show your interest.

Can kids volunteer? Yes! There is no age limit, parents will just have to sign a consent form and kids will then be able to volunteer.

Free Food For All Singapore, 60 Kaki Bukit Place Eunos Techpark #05-07, Singapore 415979, Tel: (+65) 6530 3424, www.freefood.org.sg


Food From The Heart: Volunteering to feed others

volunteer singapore food from the heart
Image Credit: Food From The Heart

Food from the Heart is an independent non-profit Singapore Food Charity that was established in 2003 to alleviate hunger through the efficient distribution of food. Today, over 10,000 volunteers help reach 59,500 beneficiaries – including low-income families and individuals – across Singapore.

How you can help: Food from the Heart offers a wide variety of volunteer opportunities. You can volunteer your time to pack and sort items on the weekends at their warehouse, collect bread from hotels and bakeries; help out in a professional capacity, such as with administrative tasks or logistics; and of course donating food, money or goods to initiatives like the annual toy buffet and the School Goodie Bag programme.

Can kids volunteer? Not in person, but your kids can help organise their own food donation drives /fundraising campaigns for Food from the Heart.

Food From The Heart, 130 Joo Seng Road, #03-01, Singapore 368357, Tel: (+65) 6280 4483, www.foodfromtheheart.sg


The Food Bank Singapore: Volunteer at a food bank

volunteer in sinagpore with the food bank
Image credit: Food Bank Singapore – junior Foodbankers

Founded in 2012 by That Mama Nichol Ng who is also a mum of four, The Food Bank Singapore strives to collect surplus food and deliver it to organisations and people in need to reduce food wastage and help those less fortunate. Collecting donated food from farms, distributors, retail stores, restaurants and more, The Food Bank Singapore strives to end food insecurity in Singapore by 2025.

How you can help: Volunteers in Singapore can head down to their warehouse on one of their two volunteering slots (available from Monday to Saturday) and help to take stock, pack and take inventory of the food donations. You can also volunteer your skills as a delivery driver, marketing/ social media volunteer, admin volunteer and as an event volunteer. The Food Bank Singapore is also taking food donations via food bank boxes islandwide.

Can kids volunteer? Yes! Junior Foodbankers will get the chance (usually every quarter, during the school holidays) to visit the warehouse, participate in various hands-on activities like packing food hampers, and attend excursions and events organised by The Food Bank Singapore. Sign up for their newsletter to be notified of the next Junior Foodbanker volunteering opportunity.

The Food Bank Singapore, 218 Pandan Loop, XPACE, Singapore 128408, Tel: (+65) 9855 4805, www.foodbank.sg


Habitat for Humanity Singapore: Volunteer to build homes

volunteer singapore habitat for humanity
Image Credit: Habit for Humanity Singapore via Instagram

A non-profit housing organisation that operates with the ultimate goal to eliminate housing poverty by building simple, decent houses for in-need families, Habitat for Humanity’s volunteer programmes offer a series of short-term trips ranging from one day to two weeks for you to get involved in. Since 2004, Habitat for Humanity Singapore has built over 5,000 houses across Asia-Pacific and served more than 4,000 families in Singapore.

How you can help: Volunteers in Singapore can volunteer their skills or you can volunteer at one of their activities, including Project HomeWorks where you will get to transform the homes of vulnerable persons and families.

Can kids volunteer? It depends! Each programme will have its own age limit so be sure to check before you sign up with your kiddos.

Habitat for Humanity Singapore, 56 Lor 23 Geylang, #05-00 Century Technology Building, Singapore 388381, www.habitat.org.sg


Glyph Community: Volunteer with kids

volunteer in singapore with kids - Glyph Community
Image Credit: Glyph Community via Facebook

Glyph Community aims to help families in need by running weekly classes for kids from underprivileged families. They always welcome volunteers to help either as a playmaker or a befriender. A playmaker helps the primary teachers ensure the classroom is safe and serves as a role model and inspiration for the kids. A befriender joins the outreach team on regular family visits within the community, introduces the programmes that Glyph Community offers and registers new beneficiaries. Do note that you would have to attend an in-house training session to get familiar with their regular programmes and offerings. So, if you’re ready to make a difference and positively impact the community, connect with Glyph Community to find out more.

How you can help: Volunteers in Singapore can join as a playmaker to assist teachers in the classroom or serve as a befriender to connect with the underprivileged community.

Can kids volunteer? Each programme will have its own age limit so be sure to check before you sign up with your kiddos.

Glyph Community, three locations including Beach Road, Boon Lay and Woodlands, Tel: (+65) 9012 9607, www.glyphcommunity.com


Meals on Wheels

volunteer singaporeMeals on wheels
Image credit: Agency for Integrated Care

Meals on Wheels (MOW) by Agency for Integrated Care (AIC Singapore) is a service that provides meal deliveries to homebound individuals who are unable to buy and prepare their own food and do not have caregivers to help them. The food is all prepared with special dietary needs in mind.

How you can help: You can sign up to be a meal runner with your own vehicle, or deliver the meals via public transport for some locations. Sign up as a volunteer here.

Can kids volunteer? Kids can join as long as there is an accompanying adult throughout the volunteering period.

Agency for Integrated Care (AIC Singapore), Tel: 1800-650-6060, www.aic.sg


Blessings in a Bag: Volunteer with underprivileged families

volunteer singaporeblessings in a bag
Image credit: Blessings in a Bag

Blessings in a Bag is a volunteer-powered community that strives to provide every child and their family – in emergency or challenging situations – with the essentials they need to thrive and to feel safe, be valued and experience joy. They partner with social-service organisations and help communities receive items they need at no cost or through incentivised programs that enable them to take ownership of their situations.

How you can help: Volunteers in Singapore can contribute through skills-based roles such as social media, or help coordinate donations, ideate, plan and launch impactful fundraising campaigns, and more. Please note that volunteers will need to commit to a minimum of six months.

Can kids volunteer? Volunteers in Singapore can email in to check if children are allowed to volunteer depending on how you will be supporting this organisation.

Blessings in a Bag, 315 Outram Road, #08-06A Tan Boon Liat Building, Singapore 169074, www.blessingsinabag.co


Jamiyah Singapore: Volunteer to provide welfare services

volunteer singapore jamiyah singapore
Image Credit: Jamiyah Singapore via Facebook

Jamiyah Singapore, also known as Muslim Missionary Society Singapore, was established in 1932 to provide welfare services to the less privileged and disadvantaged, regardless of their race or faith. They currently manage three Welfare Homes, five Education Centres and a nursing home while providing basic needs such as food ration distributions through their FoodBank programme and Free Medical, Legal and Counselling services for those in need.

How you can help: Jamiyah encourages people of all backgrounds to sign up and be a volunteer! There are several areas in which you can contribute your time and expertise to make a difference in the lives of the underprivileged in society such as at their FoodBank, Children’s Home, Halfway House, Nursing Home and Home For The Aged.

Can kids volunteer? Volunteers have to be 18 years and above.

Jamiyah Singapore, No. 31 Lorong 12 Geylang, Singapore 399006, www.jamiyah.org.sg


Caring for Cambodia: Volunteer for Cambodian communities

volunteer singapore caring for cambodia
Image credit: Caring for Cambodia via Facebook

This non-for-profit organisation works tirelessly to secure a better future for children in Cambodia through education, health care and general wellness programmes, and they always welcome enthusiastic volunteers of any background to join them in their efforts.

How you can help: From planning events to personal fundraising and helping with social media, volunteers in Singapore can help out in many ways.

Can kids volunteer? Yes! Kids as young as kindergarteners are allowed to volunteer.

Caring for Cambodia, 1 Scotts Road, #24-10, Shaw Centre, Singapore 228208, www.caringforcambodia.org


Association for Persons with Special Needs (APSN)

volunteer singapore aspn
Image Credit: SGASPN via Instagram

The Association for Persons with Special Needs provides educational, training and support services for people with special needs.

How you can help: Volunteers in Singapore help in the running of their daily school and ad hoc activities (such as administration support or as guides during educational field trips).

Can kids volunteer? Volunteers will have to be 14 years old and above.

Association for Persons with Special Needs (APSN), 900 New Upper Changi Road Singapore 467354, www.apsn.org.sg


AWARE: Volunteer to help empower others

volunteer singapore aware
Image Credit: AWARE via Instagram

AWARE is Singapore’s leading gender equality advocacy group, focusing on the rights of women and men to make informed and responsible choices about their lives, have equal opportunities in education, marriage and employment, and women’s rights to control their own bodies, particularly with regard to sexual and reproductive rights.

How you can help: Volunteers in Singapore can serve as skill-based volunteers, where you will be contacted when your expertise on a specific skill is needed and the work can be done remotely/ in-person with flexible commitment hours, or you can volunteer as a service-based volunteer where you will undergo training and volunteer for a set amount of times, in shifts.

Can kids volunteer? No.

AWARE, Block 5 Dover Crescent #01-22, Singapore 130005, Tel: (+65) 6779 7137, www.aware.org.sg


AWWA: Volunteer as a game buddy or tutor

volunteer singapore awwa
Image Credit: AWWA via Instagram

Asian Women’s Welfare Association (AWWA) is a charity providing services to children with special needs, the elderly and their caregivers, as well as underprivileged families. This voluntary welfare organisation is regularly on the look out for extra hands to help with various activities!

How you can help: Volunteers in Singapore can take on the roles of game buddies (where you will play games with seniors), tutors, medical escorts and Befrienders, with each role supporting seniors and students in need.

Can kids volunteer? Do email them to check if you can volunteer with your kids.

AWWA, 9 Lorong Napiri, Singapore 547531, www.awwa.org.sg


Riding for the Disabled Association Singapore for those with disabilities

volunteer singapore rda singapore
Image Credit: Riding for the Disabled Association via Official Website

RDA provides free, therapeutic horse riding lessons to children and adults with disabilities, and they welcome volunteers to help with their horse-riding therapy lessons.

How you can help: Volunteers in Singapore can assist as side-walkers. No horse experience is necessary, as the main job is to walk beside the horse, guiding and motivating the rider to achieve the tasks and activities set by the instructor. You can also help with therapy sessions, barn work fundraising and more.

Can kids volunteer? Volunteers will have to be at least 16 years old. Interested applicants below 21 years old will need parental consent.

Riding for the Disabled Association Singapore, 5 Jalan Mashhor, Singapore 299174, www.rdasingapore.org


Touch Community Services: Volunteer with elderly

Volunteer in Singapore - Touch Community Services

Touch Community Services offers a wide range of services including the Touch Elderly Group where seniors are given a variety of resources to help them stay physically and mentally fit. There is also a Rehabilitation Centre for the elderly and a newly opened clinic at Ang Mo Kio.

How you can help: Touch Community Services is constantly on the lookout for volunteers in Singapore who are comfortable with interacting with the elderly to accompany clients, usually wheelchair-bound, for their hospital check-ups and ferrying them to the different parts of the hospital. Click here for the full list of volunteer opportunities.

Can kids volunteer? Minimum age differs for each activity.

Touch Community Services, Block 162 Bukit Merah Central, #05-3545 Singapore 150162, Tel: (+65) 6377 0122, www.touch.org.sg


Thye Hua Kwan Moral Charities: Volunteer with seniors

volunteer singapore thye hua kwan moral charities
Image Credit: Thye Hua Kwan Moral Charities via Instagram

Its Seniors Activity Centres (SACs) are day centres for needy and vulnerable seniors. Currently, THK has 17 SACs across the island. These provide activities for seniors, keeping them active and socially integrated. THK SACs also provide support services to frail and homebound elderly through befriending services, emergency alert response calls, information and referrals for eldercare related matters.

How you can help: Volunteers in Singapore can spread a little goodwill through befriending the elderly, events support, fundraising assistance, and through programme support. Sign up as a volunteer here!

Can kids volunteer? Children under 16 must have parental consent to volunteer and be accompanied by a parent.

Thye Hua Kwan Moral Charities, 1 North Bridge Road, #03-33, High Street Centre, Singapore 179094, Tel: (+65) 6337 1201, www.thkmc.org.sg


Dress for Success Singapore: Volunteer to empower women

volunteer singapore dress for success singapore
Image Credit: Dress for Success via Instagram

Dress for Success Singapore aims to empower women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and the development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. The organisation collects nearly new professional attire and provides career counselling and coaching.

How you can help:  Volunteering opportunities include mentoring, public speaking and other support systems, career centre support and its suiting programme, where you’ll help candidates pick interview outfits to help them succeed. Interested volunteers in Singapore can sign up here.

Can kids volunteer? No.

Dress for Success Singapore, 6 Ubi Road 1, #04-11 Wintech Centre, Singapore 408726, Tel: (+65) 6747 6510, singapore.dressforsuccess.org


UN Women Singapore: Volunteer for gender equality

volunteer singapore united women singapore
Image Credit: United Women Singapore via Facebook

If you’re passionate about gender equality and female empowerment, and have the right skill set (and passion!) to support the Singapore Committee for UN Women’s goals, then definitely consider dropping them a note — their volunteers are an important part in the success of their campaigns. 

How you can help: Volunteers in Singapore will be added to the volunteer bulletin where volunteering opportunities will be sent to them every month.

Can kids volunteer? Yes! Kids will be given tasks that they can manage, as such volunteering opportunities might be slightly limited.

UN Women Singapore, 352 Tanglin Road, #01-09/10, Tanglin International Centre, Singapore 247671, ww.uws.org.sg


Volunteering with kids in Singapore:

Make-A-Wish Singapore: Volunteer to help grant a wish

volunteer singapore make a wish singapore
Image Credit: Make-A-Wish Singapore via Official Website

A part of the world’s largest wish-granting organisation, Make-A-Wish Singapore grants wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions. From meeting Elsa to interacting with horses and learning how to be a guitarist, these are some of the many wishes that Make-A-Wish has granted.

How you can help: Work with the team to grant wishes or create a memorable experience for those in need, or be a skills-based volunteer (art and design, photography, videography and more).

Can kids volunteer? Volunteers have to be 21 years old.

Make-A-Wish Singapore, 1 Coleman Street, #04-18 The Adelphi, Singapore 179803, Tel: (+65) 6334-WISH (9474), www.makeawish.org.sg


Club Rainbow: Volunteer with kids battling chronic illnesses

Volunteer in Singapore - Club Rainbow

Club Rainbow provides holistic services to children with chronic illnesses and to their families. Helping over 1000 families with their range of free services, Club Rainbow provides psychosocial, educational, and social support to its beneficiaries.

How you can help: You can volunteer at Club Rainbow to be a Camp Befriender, tutor, event support, a skill-based volunteer (photography, videography etc.) and more.

Can kids volunteer? Volunteers in Singapore need to be 18 years old and above to volunteer here.

Club Rainbow, Block 538 Upper Cross Street, #05-263/269, Singapore 050538, Tel: (+65) 6377 1789, www.clubrainbow.org


AMP Singapore: Volunteer as a mentor to kids

Founded in 1991, AMP is a non-profit organisation that serves the Muslim community with programmes such as education, research and more.

How you can help: Volunteers in Singapore can sign up to be a Youth Enrichment Programme Mentor where you will provide academic guidance (in English and Math), conduct personal development activities, be a Befriender and more.

Can kids volunteer? Volunteers will have to be 18 years old and above.

AMP Singapore, 1 Pasir Ris Drive 4, #05-11, Singapore 519457, www.amp.org.sg


The Children’s Charities Association Of Singapore

This organisation highlights six different charities for children with disabilities and orphanages in Singapore. These include Singapore Children’s Society, Singapore Association for the Deaf, Spastic Children’s Association of Singapore, Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore, St. Andrew’s Mission Hospital and the Association for Persons with Special Needs.

How you can help: Volunteers in Singapore can participate in events such as the Flag Day event, where you will gather donations for charities.

Can kids volunteer? Volunteers will have to be 18 years old and above.

The Children’s Charities Association Of Singapore, Block 18 Holland Drive #01-01, Singapore 271018, Tel: (+65) 6773 2561, www.childrenscharities.org.sg


Children’s Wishing Well: Volunteering with kids

volunteer singapore children's wishing well
Image Credit: Children’s Wishing Well via Instagram

Founded in 2002, Children’s Wishing Well provides support to children with disadvantaged backgrounds. With the Children Enrichment programmes, kids are able to enjoy hot lunches at the centre, and receive academic support, counselling and more.

How you can help: Volunteers in Singapore can help with deliveries, help out at the centre, chaperone, tutor and more.

Can kids volunteer? Volunteers have to be 18 years old. However, you can gather household items and items for birthdays and festive events with your kids before dropping them off at Children’s Wishing Well as a donation.

Children’s Wishing Well, 365 Clementi Avenue 2, #01-503, Singapore 120365, www.wishingwell.org.sg


New Life Stories: Volunteer to prevent intergenerational incarceration

Volunteer in Singapore - New Life Stories

With 455 service users in their programmes, New Life Stories was established in 2014 to prevent intergenerational incarceration. Supporting preschool education for the children of incarcerated parents, this organisation aims to improve the quality of life for these families.

How you can help: Volunteers can sign up to be a Learning Friend, teaching children essential educational skills namely reading and pro‐social skills to ensure they are not left behind in the crucial early years of their development.

Can kids volunteer? Volunteers will need to be 18 and above.

New Life Stories, 64 Kallang Bahru, #01-375, Singapore 330064, Tel: (+65) 6386 7688, www.newlifestories.org.sg


The Red Pencil: Volunteer as a fundraiser

volunteer in singapore the red pencil
Image credit: The Red Pencil – Humanitarian Mission via Facebook

The Red Pencil helps children and adults from low income families cope with emotional trauma through art therapy and partners with hospitals, family centres, homes, shelters and schools.

How you can help: Volunteers in Singapore will help with events, reach out to the community for fundraising and help spread awareness about the organisation.

Can kids volunteer? It depends on the event. If the volunteering event is age-appropriate for kids then they are more than welcome to join in.

The Red Pencil, 82 Redhill Lane, #01-69, Singapore 150082, Tel: (+65) 6221 2217, www.redpencil.org/singapore


MINDS: Volunteer to help provide equal opportunities

Volunteer in Singapore - MINDS

Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore (MINDS) aims to provide equal opportunities for children with intellectual disabilities to receive education and later, to be integrated as contributing and responsible citizens in Singapore. They run four Special Education Schools; three Employment Development Centres (EDCs); eight Training and Development Centres (TDCs); two Homes (one for adults, one for children); and a Caregivers Support Centre and home-based care services to cater to the educational, vocational, social and welfare needs of people with intellectual disability.

How you can help: You can volunteer in Singapore as an individual where you can help with programme planning, befriending beneficiaries, help out at the centre (distributing food, cleaning etc.) and more.

Can kids volunteer? No.

MINDS, 800 Margaret Drive, Singapore 149310, Tel: (+65) 6473 1148, www.minds.org.sg


Volunteering with foreign workers:

Aidha: Volunteering to mentor classes for domestic workers

Volunteer in Singapore - AIDHA

Aidha offers financial literacy training, Basic English classes and business programmes to foreign domestic workers, with new programmes available every month.

How you can help: Volunteers in Singapore can mentor weekend classes, assist with fundraising, organise events and research work, too.

Can kids volunteer? No.

Aidha, 748A North Bridge Road, Singapore 198716, Tel: (+65) 6341 5287, www.aidha.org


ItsRainingRaincoats: Volunteer to support migrant workers

volunteer singapore itsrainingraincoats
Image Credit: ItsRainingRaincoats via Facebook

Formed in 2015, ItsRainingRaincoats aims to improve the lives of migrant workers in Singapore and connect them with fellow Singaporeans, making them feel welcome. Striving to be a support system for migrant workers, ItsRainingRaincoats has started a wide variety of programmes and activities to help gather donations to obtain items that will match the needs of the migrant workers in need.

How you can help: ItsRainingRaincoats has many initiatives that you can take part in. From Safety Shoes for Our Migrant Workers, where you can help purchase a pair of safety shoes to help our migrant workers stay safe on the job, to Makan With Our Migrant Workers, where you can bond with migrant workers over a meal together. You can also donate pre-loved items including household appliances, old bicycles or any other pre-loved item that you think can help improve the lives of migrant workers.

Can kids volunteer? Yes! Kids can volunteer but they must be accompanied by an adult.

ItsRainingRaincoats, 470 Upper Paya Lebar Road, Singapore 534235, www.itsrainingraincoats.com


Transient Workers Count Too (TWC2): Help migrant workers

volunteer singapore transient workers count 2
Image Credit: TWC2 via Instagram

Transient Workers Count Too (TWC2) promotes equal treatment for migrant workers in Singapore by helping those in need and advocating for better policies. Their programmes include advocacy and public outreach, social work assistance, research, a food programme and direct services.

How you can help: There are several ways you can volunteer here: start by signing up for its training sessions to be a casework volunteer or help distribute flyers, meet with migrant workers, organise excursions and outings for workers and more.

Can kids volunteer? Volunteers must be aged 21 and above.

TWC2, 180B Bencoolen Street, #09-01, The Bencoolen, Singapore 189648, Tel: (+65) 6247 7001, www.twc2.org.sg


Volunteering with animal shelters/charities:

Animal Lovers League (ALL): Volunteer at an animal shelter

Volunteer in Singapore animal lovers league

As one of the largest and longest-serving animal welfare groups in Singapore, ALL has rescued over 500 cats and dogs. ALL is a no-kill shelter and its quest is to control the stray population by sterilisation and not annihilation.

How you can help: Volunteering at ALL means committing on a regular basis, where you’ll clean shelter grounds, mix food, shower and walk the dogs and help fix facilities where needed.

Can kids volunteer? Volunteers in Singapore must be 18 and above.

Animal Lovers League, The Animal Lodge, 59 Sungei Tengah Road, Block Q #01-29, Singapore 699014, Tel: (+65) 9154 6422 (Whatsapp only), www.animalloversleague.com


Acres Wildlife Rescue Centre: Volunteer with animals

volunteer singapore acres
Image Credit: ACRES via Facebook

Acres Wildlife Rescue Centre focuses on wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, zoo animal welfare, and community outreach and education for cruelty-free living for animals.

How you can help: Volunteers in Singapore can be a part of the Wildlife Sanctuary Team that helps with cleaning, food preparation and more or you can volunteer to be on the Urban Birds Ambassador Team where you will do on the ground advocacy work.

Can kids volunteer? Volunteers in Singapore need to be aged 17 and above.

Acres Wildlife Rescue Centre, 91 Jalan Lekar, Singapore 698917, Tel: (+65) 9783 7782, www.acres.org.sg


Cat Welfare Society: Volunteer with cats

Volunteer in Singapore - Cat Welfare Society

Made up entirely of caregivers and fosterers, the team here actively sterilises, rehomes and rehabilitates thousands of cats on the island.

How you can help: There are multiple roles for volunteers in Singapore, and you’ll be able to help with fundraising, build community relations and more.

Can kids volunteer? As Cat Welfare Society does not run a shelter, there are no avenues for kids to volunteer here.

Cat Welfare Society, My Mail Box 880225, Singapore 919191, www.catwelfare.org


Exclusively Mongrels Limited: Volunteer with dogs

volunteer singapore exclusively mongrels
Image Credit: Exclusively Mongrels via Instagram

This non-profit organisation aims to raise awareness of the plight of Singapore Special dogs while also advocating for their adoption in Singapore by rescuing and rehoming them from animal shelters.

How you can help: Volunteers in Singapore can either opt to foster rescue dogs until they find their forever homes, or volunteer to assist at the monthly adoption drives. You can also donate to help with rescue, food and medical treatment for the rescue dogs.

Can kids volunteer? Volunteers in Singapore should fill in the contact form on the Exclusively Mongrels Limited’s website for enquiries on how kids can get involved with volunteering.

Exclusively Mongrels Limited, www.exclusivelymongrels.org


Save Our Street Dogs (SOSD): Volunteer with street dogs

volunteer singapore sosd singapore
Image Credit: SOSDSingapore via Instagram

This dog shelter – one of the largest in Singapore – is entirely volunteer-run with a wide range of volunteer opportunities, from helping with social media, to dog walking and helping with transport.

How you can help:  There are many different roles that volunteers in Singapore can take on at SOSD. From helping with rehoming dogs and transporting dogs to taking care of the dogs in the animal shelter. You can also donate to help these furry friends in need.

Can kids volunteer? The minimum age is 18, however, you can donate to SOSD with your kids as that requires no age limit!

Save Our Street Dogs, 59 Sungei Tengah Road, Block T Unit 01-42 Singapore 699014, www.sosd.org.sg


SPCA: Volunteer to protect animals

volunteer singapore spca
Image Credit: SPCA via Instagram

Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals the SPCA is probably the most well-known of animal protection charities. This NGO aims to be the leading authority and advocate on animal welfare and cruelty issues in Singapore. Their focus is on promoting kindness and preventing cruelty to animals through education, advocacy and action.

How you can help: SPCA’s Flag Days require volunteers to help collect donations. You can sign up as a volunteer in Singapore or you can also help out the animal shelter by donating here.

Can kids volunteer? No, only those aged 16 years and above are allowed to volunteer here.

SPCA, 50 Sungei Tengah Road, Singapore 699012, Tel: (+65) 6287 5355, www.spca.org.sg


More volunteering in Singapore opportunities:

Singapore Red Cross Society: Humanitarian volunteering

Delivering first aid training courses, and other vital humanitarian services, Red Cross’ volunteers are trained with the knowledge and skills needed to deliver important services to the community (such as food aid, blood donation and much more!).

How you can help: Volunteers in Singapore are grouped into three teams; General Volunteers (befriending, event ushers, administrative support etc.), Skilled Volunteers (photography, videography etc.) and Professional Volunteers (Doctors, Nurses etc.).

Can kids volunteer? Yes! Kids aged 9 years old and above are welcome to volunteer here.

Singapore Red Cross Society, ​6 Fort Canning Rd, #02-08 YWCA, Singapore 179494 (temporary location), Tel: (+65) 6664 0500, www.redcross.sg


Friends of the Library: Volunteer with the library

Sign up as a volunteer with the National Library Board’s Friends of the Library programme! You’ll get a chance to participate in multiple activities across multiple library venues.

How you can help: Volunteers in Singapore can provide event management support, library and patron support and more. You can also help with research, translation and transcription.

Can kids volunteer? Yes! Children under the age of 13 years old must be accompanied by an adult in order to volunteer.

Friends of the Library, multiple locations, www.nlb.gov.sg


Friends of the Museums: Volunteer at the museum

If you’re a closet art or history lover looking to join an active cultural volunteer organization, then definitely throw your hat in to help as part of the Friends of the Museum programme.

How you can help: Volunteers in Singapore can provide technical support, run the office, be a docent and more.

Can Kids Volunteer? Volunteers in Singapore should call ahead to ensure that kids are allowed to volunteer here.

Friends of the Museums, 61 Stamford Road, Singapore 178892, www.fom.sg


Read more:

Lead image from Food From The Heart First published in 2019, updated by Aisyah in 2023.

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