Singapore Expats

I encountered hundreds of these guys yesterday while I was out with my husband. Every single one of them asked "Care to make a donation?"

Typically I would never make a donation to any charity that doesn't identify itself, but I didn't actually take the time to ask any of them yesterday what the heck they're shilling for. Frankly, I expect them to tell me before they ask for my money. Or are they supposed to be self-evident in their orange shirts, and I'm just an ignorant newbie?

I think they're actually students from NUS. Recalling my student days and what we did during the annual fund raiser - I was really disappointed with the effort that they put in. Even if they're just supposed to wear an orange shirt - what about funny face paint or a hat? I'm sure the only thing they learnt from the exercise was never to fundraise again!

they are from NUS...they tell u when asking for donations like 'sir we are from nus would you like to donate'....
it was ok at first where there were one or two on the way to the mrt....then it started getting annoying as every 10m u walked there was one of them or every corner u turned they were there...
they must be doing some very hardcore donation drive......

Not much different than the several dozen "Flag Days" donation drives that get held on what seem like every other weekend.

carlsum1986 wrote:they are from NUS...they tell u when asking for donations like 'sir we are from nus would you like to donate'....
it was ok at first where there were one or two on the way to the mrt....then it started getting annoying as every 10m u walked there was one of them or every corner u turned they were there...
they must be doing some very hardcore donation drive......

This is no exaggeration. There was one at the front entrance to my condo and then about 30 along the short walk to the MRT from my place. Not one mentioned NUS...and why does NUS need donations? Don't people pay to go there?

And what are "Flag Days donations"?

poodlek wrote:

carlsum1986 wrote:they are from NUS...they tell u when asking for donations like 'sir we are from nus would you like to donate'....
it was ok at first where there were one or two on the way to the mrt....then it started getting annoying as every 10m u walked there was one of them or every corner u turned they were there...
they must be doing some very hardcore donation drive......

This is no exaggeration. There was one at the front entrance to my condo and then about 30 along the short walk to the MRT from my place. Not one mentioned NUS...and why does NUS need donations? Don't people pay to go there?

And what are "Flag Days donations"?

you had the same experience of being surrounded by donation seekers.
it is not NUS needing the donations but I think I heard one of them say that they are doing a drive to benefit a few charities.

New gold taps are needed probably!

Do they still give out stickers? one strategy would be to shell out a coin, put a sticker and no one else would harass you. I thought a few years agos there was enough protest that the kids don't actually come up to people anymore?

When I first moved back last year, there were a few younger boy scouts also looking to do stuff and make some money, I think they made a good effort with what I gave them, which was to put together my composter but they sure looked like it was the hardest thing to do and seem to want to whine but could not.

Just a thought, is the concept of a "bake sale" or "girl scout cookies" non-existent in Singapore?

carlsum1986 wrote:they are from NUS...they tell u when asking for donations like 'sir we are from nus would you like to donate'....
it was ok at first where there were one or two on the way to the mrt....then it started getting annoying as every 10m u walked there was one of them or every corner u turned they were there...
they must be doing some very hardcore donation drive......

what those donations for? where are they going to use it for?

vivienshoshanna wrote:

carlsum1986 wrote:they are from NUS...they tell u when asking for donations like 'sir we are from nus would you like to donate'....
it was ok at first where there were one or two on the way to the mrt....then it started getting annoying as every 10m u walked there was one of them or every corner u turned they were there...
they must be doing some very hardcore donation drive......

what those donations for? where are they going to use it for?

well i dont know......
you should ask those orange shirt ppl when you see them.

nakatago wrote:Just a thought, is the concept of a "bake sale" or "girl scout cookies" non-existent in Singapore?

Singapore has strict laws on cooking/baking food for sale to consumers.
Does this explain?

kilfer wrote:

nakatago wrote:Just a thought, is the concept of a "bake sale" or "girl scout cookies" non-existent in Singapore?

Singapore has strict laws on cooking/baking food for sale to consumers.
Does this explain?

Nope - I think that nakatago was wondering where the creativity in fund raising went, without standing around in a hoard shoving tins into passerby's faces.

So is it compulsary for these kids to ask for donations? like it is a subject or something? or is it their choice?

morenangpinay wrote:So is it compulsary for these kids to ask for donations? like it is a subject or something? or is it their choice?

My guess is that is is their choice, but it is an arranged activity. Not sure what the vibe is in other countries, but this is fairly standard for 1st year uni students in South Africa. We get dressed up, make a fool of ourselves and collect money for charity. The 2 "big" events are selling "RAG Mags" - you can see the UCT one here: http://saxappeal.co.za/?page_id=8 with somewhat risque humour and the Float parade where each house of residence designs and builds a float and we dress up appropriately (in costume) walk through the main street with the float and our collecting tins.

Any other countries have similar 1st year events?