Announcing The Milelion’s Christmas Fundraiser 2020

So, in just under three weeks 2020 will draw to a close, and while the ushering in of 2021 isn’t going to magically resolve the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s still a psychologically important milestone insofar as it draws a line under a year many of us would rather forget. 

I’m currently putting together some reflections which I hope to share in the next couple of weeks, but first, I thought I’d kick off our annual Christmas fundraiser.

Every year since The Milelion started in 2015, I’ve been using some of the proceeds from the website to support a worthy cause. What’s even more encouraging is how the miles community has come out in support of these campaigns, and collectively we’ve raised more than S$30,000 to date for various charities. 

This year, The Milelion’s chosen charity is The Salvation Army Singapore.

Why support The Salvation Army?

COVID-19 has acutely highlighted the plight of the vulnerable in society, whether it’s migrant workers, the frail and elderly, or those who live paycheck to paycheck. These groups have been heavily impacted by the pandemic, and as much as we may complain about cancelled holidays or overcrowded staycations, it’s a sobering reminder there are way bigger issues out there. 

That’s where The Salvation Army comes in. You may have seen their signature red kettles around Singapore during the Christmas period (although without bell-ringers this year, as as current restrictions preclude it), but the organization is active year-round supporting and advocating for the underprivileged. 

How to Help

Our campaign this year aims to to raise S$7,500 to support the work of The Salvation Army Singapore. It runs from now till 2359 on 25 December 2020 (i.e the end of Christmas day), and is facilitated through Giving.sg. 

Donate to the Campaign

All donations of at least S$10 qualify for 2.5X tax deductions, and the Singapore government is matching qualifying donations dollar-for-dollar till 31 March 2021.

To give you an idea of how your money can go a long way…

• S$10 provides a vulnerable child with 3 meals a day
• S$50 provides a struggling family with food rations and support
• S$100 provides academic support and developmental programs for a vulnerable child
• S$150 provides befriending services to an isolated senior or vulnerable migrant worker
• S$200 provides diapers and food for an elderly resident without family support

Which credit card should I use for donations?

There’s no shame in wanting to earn some credit card points from your donation. Giving.sg is waiving its usual 3% transaction fee all the way till March 2021, so your chosen cause still receives the full value. 

The following cards still earn points on donations:

Card	Earn Rate
Standard Chartered Visa Infinite	1.4 mpd*
AMEX Solitaire PPS Credit Card	1.3 mpd
AMEX PPS Credit Card	1.3 mpd
Maybank Visa Infinite	1.2 mpd
Standard Chartered X Card	1.2 mpd
AMEX KrisFlyer Ascend	1.2 mpd
AMEX KrisFlyer Credit Card	1.1 mpd
AMEX Platinum Charge	0.78 mpd
AMEX Platinum Reserve	0.69 mpd
AMEX Platinum Credit Card	0.69 mpd
AMEX Rewards Card	0.63 mpd
*With minimum S$2,000 spent per statement period, if not 1.0 mpd

Conclusion

With all that’s going on right now, I realise it may not be easy for everyone to contribute financially. Don’t sweat it- there’ll be another time, and it’s always possible to volunteer or donate in kind. 

However, if you’ve been blessed enough to pass through 2020 financially unscathed, would you consider joining me in whatever small (or big) way you can? 

Thank you for your generosity, and God bless.