There's so much about it in the news, that it's difficult to not be invested. We're of course, talking about COVID-19 and how it's been affecting our daily lives, as well as how it has shed light to issues that were always there but we've subconsciously put to the back burner.
As it stands, Singapore's migrant worker community has been largely affected by the pandemic, with a huge majority of daily cases reported stemming from the community. While the government has been stepping up in ensuring that our migrant workers are being cared for during this crisis, it has also underscored how much we don't truly know about the living conditions of Singapore's migrant workers and the different issues that they face beyond COVID-19.
Local fashion brand In Good Company has joined forces with five other well-known local businesses—Birds of Paradise, Books Actually, Edith Patisserie, Mud Rock Ceramics and Petit Pain—in forming a collective called, A Little Community of Good, that aims to raise funds in support of HealthServe.
HealthServe is a non-governmental organisation that since 2006, has been helping disadvantaged migrant workers. Their work consist of provision of essential services such as medical and dental care, counselling, support with regards to employment-related issues, social assistance, as well as other support services. They also offer subsidised health services to injured migrant workers who are not able to receive medical assistance from their employers, as well as run food projects and mobile health-screening clinics at various dormitories islandwide every year.
It's no wonder then A Little Community of Good is helping to raise funds for HealthServe, especially at a time where our migrant workers need all the support and help they can while dealing with the uncertainties of this pandemic.
The collective has set up a fund that's hosted on Give.Asia that will see it match public donations dollar-by-dollar (capped at SGD30,000). The fund will run until 30 June 2020 with the aim of raising a total of SGD60,000. As of 13 May 2020, more than SGD67,000 have already been raised but more donations are welcomed until the end of its run. The money will not only help HealthServe in aiding migrant workers during this pandemic, but also to support the great work that it will continue to do beyond COVID-19.
With small, independent businesses being hit the hardest financially, as Singaporeans are staying home and being socially responsible, it's extremely heartening to see these six brands coming together for a cause that benefits an often overlooked community. And at the same time, bringing awareness and showing that Singaporeans can and should do better.
To contribute to A Little Community of Good's fund-raising campaign, head to the Give.Asia platform.
