Acts of generosity lift spirits in Singapore

More than 65 percent of requests have been met by donors from all walks of life－from individuals buying and distributing masks, to multinational corporations donating a range of essential items in bulk.

Kwee said, "We will continue to improve, as we know more about requirements and are working furiously to address them."

Noteworthy cause

Many of the grassroots initiatives are aimed especially at supporting migrant workers in Singapore, given the sharp rise in the number of infections among this group in recent weeks.

One of the initiatives, Project Postcard, was launched by 15 alumni from Singapore's School of the Arts, who donated 13 artworks printed on postcards for sale to the public.

The proceeds raised go to projects launched by the Humanitarian Organization for Migration Economics, initially to provide daily essentials and medical aid, and subsequently to support long-term initiatives such as meeting the costs of maintaining a shelter for workers in distress.

Another noteworthy cause is the MaskForce initiative led by Senior Minister of State for Community and Youth Sim Ann.

Face mask kits have been produced and distributed to 650,000 migrant workers and domestic helpers in Singapore with the help of companies, charities and individuals.

Each kit comprises two reusable cloth masks with a filter, as well as a surgical mask. The kits were made and distributed in collaboration with the Migrant Workers' Centre.

The initiative is ongoing and Sim hopes that a second and even a third distribution can be carried out.

"I am deeply grateful for this outpouring of goodwill," she wrote on the portal hosting the donation drive.

Meanwhile, the nonprofit It's Raining Rain Coats, founded in 2015, is engaging directly with migrant workers in Singapore.

Its founder, Dipa Swaminathan, is coordinating at least five projects, including data top-up card donations, and is sourcing English-language teachers to give online tuition.

"I feel our initiatives have responded to the needs on the ground. We are quick to adapt our programs and resources to meet workers' requirements, and our social media outreach is simple, direct and imaginative," Swaminathan said.

"For example, on April 22, a worker messaged us, asking for a carrom board," she said, referring to the popular tabletop game of Indian origin.

"As I was wondering where to source one for him, a member of the public wrote in to say he and his friends wanted to buy and donate carrom boards for the workers."