A Caritas programme aims to get people to donate money monthly through GIRO, have them rope in several others to participate, and have them in turn recruit others to donate.The programme, called Living Water Ambassador, was explained to about 50 potential donors on June 8 at Church of Sts Peter and Paul.
The scheme, started last year, is to allow the wider community to support the local Church’s charity programmes on an on-going basis and reduce fundraising administrative costs.
During the June 8 presentation, Vicar General Msgr Eugene Vaz led the attendees through a reflection on what it means to be “living water” – to be blessed and to be a blessing to others.
An introduction to the Caritas Singapore Community Council and the Living Water Ambassador programme followed.
Caritas Singapore’s executive director Bernadette Lau told CatholicNews that her organisation hopes to “increase the giving from the community” through this “multi-level” model “as there is a multiplier effect”.
Caritas Singapore hopes to raise another $300,000 from this project this year and a million dollars annually in the future.
More presentations are being planned throughout the year for potential donors.
Mr Jonathan Chan, a Catholic who attended the recent presentation, said that he will consider being a regular donor.
Mr Casey Chew, who is not a Catholic, said he finds the programme meaningful and would make a donation to it. He would also try to encourage other friends to support the programme.
Those who wish to know more about the Living Water Ambassador project may email stefanie@caritas-singapore.org or call 6337 3711.
By Darren Boon
darren.boon@catholic.org.sg
