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Supporting a Singapore charity/NGO

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singapore eagle
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Supporting a Singapore charity/NGO

Post by singapore eagle » Mon, 23 Sep 2013 9:03 am

I would be interested in people's views on this.

I'm starting to feel quite strongly about the deal that some migrant workers get in this country. Now that we're looking to stay here permanently, I'd like to help one of the groups that offer support to workers that get into trouble with their employers.

Is there any reason why I can't contribute financially? How about by offering my time? I'm conscious that foreign interference in domestic matters is frowned upon, and I wonder how close this gets to the 'line'?

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sundaymorningstaple
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Post by sundaymorningstaple » Mon, 23 Sep 2013 9:19 am

I don't think you have to worry on that account. If you are donating your time or money to a registered NGO it should be okay. I donate half of my life outside of work to the local Residents committee with no problem (and that's a government organization (People's Association). You'll be fine as long as you don't go demonstrating outside of Parliament or something stupid like that. ;-)

sms
SOME PEOPLE TRY TO TURN BACK THEIR ODOMETERS. NOT ME. I WANT PEOPLE TO KNOW WHY I LOOK THIS WAY. I'VE TRAVELED A LONG WAY, AND SOME OF THE ROADS WEREN'T PAVED. ~ Will Rogers

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Post by singapore eagle » Mon, 23 Sep 2013 9:27 am

sundaymorningstaple wrote:I don't think you have to worry on that account. If you are donating your time or money to a registered NGO it should be okay. I donate half of my life outside of work to the local Residents committee with no problem (and that's a government organization (People's Association). You'll be fine as long as you don't go demonstrating outside of Parliament or something stupid like that. ;-)

sms
I think I'll be able to restrain myself!

I get the impression that organisations like HOME and TWC2 aren't on quite as friendly terms with the government as the PA.

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PNGMK
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Post by PNGMK » Mon, 23 Sep 2013 10:50 am

singapore eagle wrote:
sundaymorningstaple wrote:I don't think you have to worry on that account. If you are donating your time or money to a registered NGO it should be okay. I donate half of my life outside of work to the local Residents committee with no problem (and that's a government organization (People's Association). You'll be fine as long as you don't go demonstrating outside of Parliament or something stupid like that. ;-)

sms
I think I'll be able to restrain myself!

I get the impression that organisations like HOME and TWC2 aren't on quite as friendly terms with the government as the PA.
I'm sure you could donate anonymously. I do think HOME, TWC2 and many others are worthwhile charities.

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Post by scarbowl » Mon, 23 Sep 2013 8:31 pm

singapore eagle wrote:
sundaymorningstaple wrote:I don't think you have to worry on that account. If you are donating your time or money to a registered NGO it should be okay. I donate half of my life outside of work to the local Residents committee with no problem (and that's a government organization (People's Association). You'll be fine as long as you don't go demonstrating outside of Parliament or something stupid like that. ;-)

sms
I think I'll be able to restrain myself!

I get the impression that organisations like HOME and TWC2 aren't on quite as friendly terms with the government as the PA.
If they are registered organizations here you can contribute to them. If they are registered as IPCs (institute of public character) you can even reduce your taxes by contributing.

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Strong Eagle
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Post by Strong Eagle » Mon, 23 Sep 2013 10:31 pm

If organizations are not engaging in certain kinds of political/social activity (animal welfare happens to be one of those activities), an organization does not even need to be registered with ROS, although registration does permit formal fundraising activities to occur. But, you can still give to unregistered organizations if you desire.

It's not really a case of being of "friendly terms", it's more of a case walking a fine line that the government can change. For example, contributing to help an organization that uses the money to help abused maids will never be an issue. Using the money to perform research to document the plight of maids in Singapore won't be an issue... publishing that information won't either. Suggesting that lax governmental policies are a contributor to the problem will now get some attention as you are moving into the types of society behavior that the government has singled out.

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Post by ecureilx » Tue, 24 Sep 2013 9:36 am

sundaymorningstaple wrote: ... I donate half of my life outside of work to the local Residents committee with no problem (and that's a government organization (People's Association). You'll be fine as long as you don't go demonstrating outside of Parliament or something stupid like that. ;-)

sms
I don't donate half my life, but a fair share .. not as great as SMS though I guess .. :)
singapore eagle wrote:
I get the impression that organisations like HOME and TWC2 aren't on quite as friendly terms with the government as the PA.
Since I did some work for the two organisations at one time or other, and from what I know, there is no love lost .. they do get consulted and also some cases get referred to them.

for that matter, TWC2 had a bit of an IFFY relationship due to some of the past board members were on to attacking all-things-PAP, without offering alternates / solutions, and that has stopped of late ..

HOME - well, Home is indirectly assisted by various Embassies ... they have no falling out with the govt too (from what I know .. )

The issue with most migrant workers support group is, many a foreigner decide to take on the govt .. like the rule that says maids can't get pregnant, well, that's the Singapore govt rule, so why would you want to use a pregnant maid as a front to annoy the govt - for example ? That's where things fall apart.

BTW, MWC has plans to supplement the current support structure in place for Foreign workers .. and FYI, they too aren't always on a buddy-buddy level with the Govt/MOM, even though MWC is part of NTUC ..

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