Join The MileLion’s Christmas Fundraiser 2022

Every year since The MileLion began 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$70,000 to date for various charities. 

• 2015-2017: S$5,000 for World Vision Singapore
• 2018: S$980 for World Vision Disaster Response
• 2019: S$11,703 for Methodist Welfare Services
• 2020: S$8,760 for New Hope Community Services, S$5,128 for The Food Bank Singapore, S$18,755 for The Salvation Army
• 2021: S$21,835 for Care Corner Singapore

This year, would you consider joining me to support the work of New Hope Community Services (NHCS), a charity helping the homeless in Singapore?

Why support New Hope Community Services?

Donate Here

“Revenge travel” has been the theme of 2022, with border restrictions and testing requirements all but gone. Airlines are struggling to keep up with demand, hotels are booked out, and good luck finding a rental car. 

But as much as we may complain about jacked up airfares and overpriced resorts, for some people, the very idea of a holiday is a flight of fancy. It’s been estimated that there are more than 1,000 homeless people in Singapore, whether due to financial hardship, domestic abuse, or mental health issues.

NHCS is a charity that provides temporary shelter for the homeless, while helping them get back on their feet through employment support and home ownership education programmes. The goal is to help residents break the cycle of poverty and achieve long-term financial resilience and independence. 

❓ About New Hope CS

New Hope Community Services (NHCS) was registered as a charity in 2004. Our sole motivation is the love of God and the conviction that His church must stay relevant to the needs of the community. We are concerned for those in need and we strive to reach out to them, regardless of their race or religion. In June 2007, New Hope Community Services launched the Shelter for Displaced Families. We recognise that homelessness can strike in many ways. Our mission is to stand in the gap and provide a Shelter of Hope to these homeless Singaporeans and to empower them to alleviate and improve their situation. At New Hope Community Services, our goal goes beyond providing temporary shelter to those we serve; we want to infuse them with real hope to see their lives changed.

In 2021, NHCS provided transitional shelter for 623 individuals and families, and helped 207 individuals and families secure long-term housing upon leaving the shelter. 191 residents found jobs through their job support programmes. You can view the full 2021 Annual Report here.

How much are we seeking to raise?

Donate Here

For The MileLion’s 2022 Christmas Fundraiser, we’ll be seeking to raise S$30,000 to support the work of NHCS. NHCS is an approved IPC, and all donations of at least S$50 will qualify for 2.5X tax deduction.

The fundraiser starts today, and runs all the way till 31 December 2022. I’ve already got the ball rolling, and hope that you’ll join me!

To give you an idea of how far your money goes…

• S$20 provides food and hygiene essentials for one shelter resident
• S$50 provides one month’s worth of utility expenses for one shelter resident
• S$100 covers the monthly shelter expenses for one shelter resident
• S$200 provides life skills training for one shelter resident

All donations towards NHCS raised through this fundraising campaign go towards the Beacons of New Hope – Shine a Light campaign. Proceeds raised from the campaign will receive dollar-for-dollar matching as part the Tote Board’s Enhanced Fundraising Programme. 

Which credit card should I use for donations?

There’s absolutely no shame in wanting to earn some credit card points from your donation. Charities pay a 1.8% fee to Giving.sg regardless of what mode of payment is used, so why not?

The following credit cards still earn points on donations:

Card	Earn Rate
Maybank Manchester United Card	2.0 mpd + 3% cashback  (on days where Man Utd win)
	0.4 mpd + 1% cashback (otherwise)
AMEX HighFlyer Card	1.8 mpd
AMEX Solitaire PPS Credit Card	1.3 mpd
AMEX PPS Credit Card	1.3 mpd
Maybank Visa Infinite	1.2 mpd
AMEX KrisFlyer Ascend	1.2 mpd
AMEX KrisFlyer Credit Card	1.1 mpd
AMEX Centurion	0.98 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
Maybank Horizon Visa Signature	0.4 mpd

Alternatively, you can use the following cashback options

Card	Earn Rate
AMEX True Cashback Card Apply	1.5% cashback
UOB Absolute Cashback Card Apply	1.7% cashback

Conclusion

The MileLion’s Christmas Fundraiser for 2022 will be supporting the work of New Hope Community Services, which seeks to provide shelter and empowerment opportunities for the homeless in Singapore.

As always, if your current circumstances make it difficult to support financially, please don’t sweat it. There’ll always be another time, and there’s other opportunities to volunteer or donate in kind.

But for those who did a little better in 2022, would you consider partnering up in whatever small (or big) way you can? 

Thank you for your generosity, and God bless!