Fundraising
In conjunction with other Social Activities sections, we raise funds for our nominated Singapore charities via a series of events held throughout the year.
Past events have included Valentine dances, Christmas parties, Christmas carol evenings, summer fetes, wine evenings and the highlight of our year – a Charity Ball usually held around springtime.
Funds are raised through a combination of sponsorship, ticket sales, auctions and raffles, so obviously the more people that attend these events, the more money we have to distribute. See the Current Activities Programme for the calendar of events coming up.
We hold auctions and raffles at most of our events and links with local, national and international companies provide sponsorship and support. Our established sponsorship programme allows us to tailor a range of benefits to potential sponsors.
We are always looking for new sponsorship and fundraising ideas from members so please contact us if you have any ideas for events that you would like to see.
We look forward to meeting you at one of our fundraising events very soon!
Volunteering Opportunities
If you feel you have some time to spare, whether it's a couple of hours a week, a day a week or something more permanent, there are many diverse volunteering opportunities.
Giving something back to the society in which we live can be extremely rewarding and many of our members find this adds to their overall Singapore experience. There are opportunities within local Singapore charities and opportunities within the BA organisation itself both detailed below.
Volunteering at a Local Singapore Charity
Currently, the British Association supports six designated charities and each of these organisations provides areas for volunteer work depending on your skills, interests and inclinations. Either chat to them direct or talk to the BA Charities Coordinators.
• Riding for the Disabled
The RDA is a charity that provides a unique form of exercise to meet the needs of physically and intellectually challenged adults and children in Singapore. Volunteers are required to act as "sidewalkers" and leaders to assist the riders in the training arena. Full instruction is given and previous experience with horses or the disabled is not necessary. Contact Eugene or Rosemary on 62500176 or rda@pacific.net.sg
• Assisi Hospice
Assisi offers a palliative care programme for children and adults suffering from cancer and other life-limiting conditions. Volunteers are needed to work with the patients in the day centre or the children's centre to help with study, cooking, reading, arts and crafts. Volunteers skilled in massage would be most welcome. Please contact Ms. Angeline Chew on 6347 6443 or angeline_chew@assisihospice.org.sg
• The Haven
This is a home run by the Salvation Army for children of all ages who are unable to live at home for financial, legal or other reasons. Volunteers are needed to spend a few hours each week assisting a designated child with a reading programme. Alternatively, you may like to set up a cookery course or an arts and crafts workshop, or perhaps you have IT or music skills you could share? Please contact Ms Janis Khoo on 67749588 or janis_khoo@SMM.salvationarmy.org
• Breadline
Breadline is a community service body which supports around 200 families recommended by social services and to whom financial support is given. Volunteers are required to visit families in their homes, build up relationships and handle funding. Please contact Mr Richard Lim on 62584686 or nicklim1@singnet.com.sg
• Christalite Methodist Home
A residential home for the elderly and destitute. Volunteers are needed to visit residents, provide company, help with exercise, reading etc. If you have any medical, physiotherapy or hairdressing skills they would be much appreciated. Please contact Mr Phillip Chua on 63685179 or phillipchua@cmh.mws.org.sg
• Gracehaven
This is a residential home for abused children and young offenders. Like The Haven, volunteers are needed to read with the children, cooking or baking sessions, arts, crafts, games, IT or music. Please contact Ms Cathy Aloba on 64881533 or Cathy_Aloba@SMM.salvationarmy.org
Of course there are many hundreds of charitable institutions in Singapore many of which would welcome volunteers. The British Association is always on the look out to extend its list. If you discover a charity in need of support then please make contact with our Charities Coordinators.
Volunteering within the British Association
Apart from the person who runs the British Association office, the British Association organization is run solely by volunteers. So, every activity and event you see in this website has an active person or team of people behind the scenes that 'makes it happen'! It is a way of getting involved, giving back, and keeping your CV alive! Most people work in pairs or larger teams so that they can retain the flexibility of travel, visitors, family and their other interests.
Social, Sporting and Special Interest Activities
If you have a couple of hours/week and want to create a group or help organize the running of one of our activities, we'd love to hear from you. The Social Activities Team is a fun group and the source of many new friendships. Contact Sarah on sarah2108@msn.com
Editorial & Website Team
If you have skills in proof reading, design or creative writing, then keep that CV up-to-date by contributing to the BEAM magazine. Organisational skills are also key in putting the issue to bed each month. The Editorial Team meets once a month or you can be freelance and submit articles at any time. Know about or want to learn about websites – our site is simple and easy-to-maintain but can always do with new ideas. Contact Miranda on beam@britishassociation.org.sg
Fundraising Team
If you have skills in event management, corporate sponsorship or thinking up innovative new ideas to raise funds for our British Association charities in Singapore, then this is the team for you. Contact Cathy on cathy1birch@yahoo.com.sg
British Association Council
Appointed annually by election, the Council ensures the smooth and continual running of the British Association of Singapore. It is open to any British Association member (with a British passport), with some roles requiring a level of expertise such as accountancy, legal and secretariat skills. Speak to any member of the current Council on the Contact Us page for details.