It's my birthday! And my birthday wish is that you make a donation to support migrant workers in Singapore during this Covid 19 crisis.

I know many of you would have already donated to some of the relief efforts. My birthday request of you is dig a little deeper and help make my wish come true.

I've done the research and learned that HOME, the Humanitarian Organisation for Migration Economics, has been under-supported during recent fundraising drives.

HOME are fundraising to support the following five critical services:
1) Shelter Domestic Workers who are in distress and are unable to go home.

2) Financial assistance for medical care all migrant workers in need.

3) Financial assistance for food, transport, and communication.

4) Legal assistance

5) Mental health counselling and support

HOME's fundraising goal is $500,000. As of today they reached 91% of their target. It would mean the world to me if we can work together over the next 10 days to raise at least $2800. I will kick off by donating $200 myself.

UPDATE 11:30am: THANK YOU FOR THE LOVE! I hit my original target in 60 minutes. So following the encouragement from friends I've raised my birthday fundraiser target to $5000!!

The Covid-19 pandemic has adversely affected many in Singapore, and the community of migrant workers has not been spared either: it is unpredictable and constantly evolving, and has created pressure on everyone. The termination of employment, unpaid wages, as well as inadequate access to healthcare and medical aid, are increasingly common threats faced by the migrant community.

We want to help workers cope with the disruptions from the outbreak and to allocate resources to areas where it is needed most. HOME has ramped up our support services and would like to continue doing so in the months to follow. Your donations will help us:

1) Provide shelter for our Domestic Workers who are in distress and are unable to go home.

2) Provide financial assistance to all migrant workers, who are in need of urgent medical care.

3) Provide financial assistance for food, transport, and communication. Many of our beneficiaries are not allowed to seek employment.

4) Legal assistance and counsel.

5) Providing remote counselling and emotional support.

HOME (Humanitarian Organisation for Migration Economics) is a charitable organisation with Institution of Public Character status. Since 2004, we have been dedicated to improving the welfare and upholding the rights of migrant workers in Singapore.

Migrant workers play a vital role in contributing to Singapore. They take on low-waged jobs as domestic workers or in the construction, marine, manufacturing, service and conservancy sectors. Their work is often dangerous and precarious.

We assist migrant workers who suffer abuse and exploitation. Unpaid salaries, excessive working hours, work injuries, physical and psychological abuse are some of the common problems these workers face. Some of them may also be victims of human trafficking.

We run a shelter for domestic workers, helpdesks for domestic workers and male migrant workers. We also offer legal assistance, health education and vocational training to the workers. In 2016, over 2,000 migrant workers received assistance from us. And about 2,000 domestic workers have sat through our skills training courses.

HOME works with government agencies, civic groups, corporations and other community partners to realise our vision in creating an inclusive society that stands for justice, fairness and equality.