Did you read the Straits Times today, there is an article covering the increase of charities trying to generate donations from the public and why is there such and increase.

I am not trying to be anti charity here, but don’t you think that there is just too much of these flag days? Every weekend for the past few months if not years, whenever I get out of the house its a flag day. One would get to see students dressed in their uniforms going around asking for people to donate money. It used to be only on Saturdays, but these days I get to see such drives even on a Sunday (Causeway point) with students going around asking for donations. In town, you get to see these students walking down the streets of orchard road asking everyone for donation, even from tourists (to me it portraits a rather bad image of Singapore). Reactions are mixed, but I believe most of us will donate, while others shy away from them. For those who donate, I wonder if they know where is their donation going to or is it just to get that immunity sticker (flag).

This just makes me wonder, if the students actually learn or experience anything that will enrich their life’s, or would it just be a waste of time for them. It’s good that our young ones are being asked to do social work for the country and to help them understand Singapore’s society needs. But in my opinion, wouldn’t it be better if the schools organize voluntary work to old folks homes, hospitals , old estates or needy families to help out in cleaning, accompanying patients or maintenance works?

This would benefit both the students and the homes or organizations that they are helping. For one the young could get learn valuable lessons by interaction with the folks in nursing homes, be able to see first that life isn’t fair and there are people in worst situations then what they are in and they would be able to learn handy skills like mopping the floors, painting the walls, etc. The experience gain would have a far reaching effect then just going around in groups asking for donations. One can argue that the students may not willing to do try such things, after all life has been good to us young Singaporeans. But in the end if only some learn and gains something, it would have been great as we cant win all anyway.

A suggestions for fund raising, charities could get volunteers to help come up with a little street performance, if people like they can donate any amount. The schools could also get the students to perform a skid, conduct military drills, debating exercises or scouts demonstrations or just selling home made greeting cards made during art class. I bet it would bring life to the venues selected (Helping in making Singapore exciting), students get to put what they learn in school to good use and people would be so turn off to donate.

That’s my take, so what is your take on this issue, any recommendations for charities to raise funds? Remember too much of a good thing is a bad thing. Honestly wouldn’t it be better to see lesser flag days, and know that our young students are actually going to homes to help out with their social requirements.

PS: Please forgive me if I sound anti charity, the work done by you guys are great and it benefits the people who needs help most.

Cheers