SGUnited Buka Puasa Initiative
JOINT MEDIA RELEASE
18 April 2020
Ground-up Initiative to Show Solidarity and Support
1. The SGUnited Buka Puasa initiative is a ground-up effort to provide meals for breaking of fast during the month of Ramadan. Daily meals will be extended to two groups within the community, i) healthcare professionals and their families; and ii) Muis’ zakat beneficiaries and other families who require the provision of meals during this challenging time. This initiative aims to express our gratitude and solidarity with those on the frontlines of the battle against COVID-19 and to support those who are significantly affected by the outbreak.
2. Agencies and community organisations will work together to distribute 15,000 meals per day throughout the whole month of Ramadan. Meals will be delivered to hospitals, Community Centres/Clubs (CCs), or homes of Zakat beneficiaries. [Refer to Factsheet for lists of CCs and hospitals]
3. This initiative is a joint collaboration between Muis, Mosques, the Rahmatan lil Alamin Foundation (RLAF), Peoples’ Association, Roses of Peace and Singapore Malay Chamber of Commerce and Industry. It is supported by SGUnited, M3 and SGTeguhBersatu Taskforce.
Fundraising
4. In line with this year’s Ramadan theme to strengthen resilience, this effort rallies the community to unite and support one another as we strive to overcome the COVID-19 situation together.
5. Muis will kickstart the initiative with a $1 million funding. RLAF will also mount a special fundraising effort via Giving.SG for donations from the public to raise another $1.5 million, to meet the overall project fundraising target of $2.5 million. The SGUnited Buka Puasa Fund fundraising drive will run from 17 April 2020 to 23 May 2020. All donations are eligible for tax deduction.
Support for Community
6. In support of local businesses, the funds raised will be channeled through SMCCI to local establishments like caterers and delivery services who will provide and deliver meals to families affected by this crisis and health professionals who are braving the COVID-19 pandemic.
7. Chief Executive of Muis Mr Esa Masood, said:
“The act of giving towards the breaking of fast of others is an act that is highly commendable for Muslims, and every Ramadan there is usually an outpouring of donations at our mosques to organise the communal breaking of fast. Even though our mosques are closed this Ramadan, Muis and our mosques are happy and committed to be part of this meaningful initiative to reignite our community spirit and show solidarity with our healthcare workers, and those affected in the ongoing crisis.”
NMP Mohamed Irshad, founder of Roses of Peace, said:
“Feeding people in need is a cornerstone of all religions, especially Islam. Over the years, Buka Puasa has become a massive community bonding affair bringing together the Muslim community and people of other faith traditions in Singapore. With the COVID-19 pandemic and circuit breaker measures in place, we are facing a real threat of people in need going hungry during this month. Roses of Peace is heartened to be part of this community-led initiative bringing together the public, private, and people sectors – in a first of its kind to exemplify the spirit of Ramadan and SGUnited.”
Azrulnizam Shah Sohaimi, Executive Director, SMCCI, said:
“SMCCI is heartened to be part of this meaningful initiative, as we believe strongly in giving back to the community. The Chamber is confident that this groundbreaking effort will bring benefit and create a sense of unity amongst the varying segments of the community, synonymous with the spirit of Ramadan.
This initiative is made even more meaningful as it allows SMCCI to partner its members in the food and beverage (F&B) industry, who are themselves, facing unprecedented challenges. This underlines the Chamber's commitment in standing in solidarity, with its members, throughout their business journey.”
Registration
8. Registration for the daily meals can be made via www.bukapuasa.sg from 18 April 2020 onwards. 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. Precautionary measures such as putting on face masks, temperature taking and safe distancing measures will be strictly implemented. 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.
Organised by:
Supported by:
Factsheet on SGunited Buka Puasa Initiative
