Ramadan this year is unlike any that we've had before. With the country staying home, we've been getting used to a Ramadan without our usual routines of going to the mosque for terawih, having iftar with friends and extended family, or heading to the bazaars.
Credit: Giphy
But staying home has been a blessing for us in other ways, from being able to spend more time with our family to having the opportunity for more introspective ibadah. Nevertheless, as we spend time at home this year, it's important to remember the needy and the courageous front-liners like medical staff and essential service workers who are tirelessly keeping things going.
In light of this, Muis, in collaboration with local mosques, the Rahmatan lil Alamin Foundation (RLAF), Peoples’ Association, Roses of Peace and Singapore Malay Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SMCCI) have launched the SGUnited Buka Puasa Initiative. This initiative aims to provide 20,000 free iftar meals daily all throughout Ramadan to healthcare workers, their families, and those in need (such as those who may not be able to afford meals this Ramadan).
Funds are being collected for the initiative (more on this below!), which will be channelled through SMCCI towards local food establishments, delivery services and caterers who will, in turn, provide the meals that are then sent to hospitals, Community Centres/Clubs (CCs), or homes of Zakat beneficiaries.
For those that would like to obtain the meals, registration for the daily meals can be made via their website. Registration is currently done in specified windows - meals for the first 20 days of Ramadan have been fully redeemed, but slots for the last 10 days of Ramadan will be open for registration from 30 April - 5 May. Do note that only one person per household can apply for the meals (with a maximum of for meals per household). Each applicant can apply for up to 5 days worth of iftar meals. Do note that if you're a zakat beneficiary, you will not need to sign up through the website.
Credit: Roses of Peace on Facebook
Meals will be available for collection at 20 CCs across Singapore daily from 24 April 2020 to 23 May 2020 between 5.15 p.m. and 6.15 p.m. Residents who have registered for the meals are reminded to bring along their NRIC when collecting the meals at the CCs, and to observe all precautionary measures such as putting on face masks, temperature taking and safe distancing measures. Zakat beneficiaries will have their meals delivered to their homes, while healthcare professionals who are on duty will receive the packed meals delivered to their respective hospitals.
How you can help!
Looking to help this great initiative out? You can do so through one of the following ways:
- Financial donations: You can donate funds that will be used to pay for the meals and distribution (all donations are eligible for tax deduction).
- Volunteer: If you live near one of the distribution locations, you can also volunteer to help out.
- Spread the word: Help spread the word so that the project can reach its fundraising goals ?
Ramadan is a time of community and strengthening of the ummah, and that shouldn't change because we're staying home this year! So if you're looking to help or would like to sign up for the meals, head to the initiative's website. May this initiative go a long way in helping our front-liners and our needy while also supporting local businesses and providing hope and optimism in these current times, insyaAllah ❤️