Charity
Relying on institutions
Authorities must ensure superiors don't exert undue pressure on individuals under their charge. By Seah Chiang Nee
Aug 16, 2005

With post-Durai donations from ordinary people slowing, charities are now depending on institutions - companies, armed forces, schools etc - to make up for the shortfall.

The recent TV President's Charity Show drew S$3.67m from the public, but of this only some $1/2m had come from individuals.

Large establishments and companies donated the rest, which meant that indirectly workers, soldiers, and other individuals were the major contributors.

This is a good idea since the beneficiaries are the needy. But in the wake of National Kidney Foundation rage, it is imperative that not too much pressure is placed on these institutions "to meet high quotas."

The reason? They may well pass on the pressure to private individuals under their charge.

There is a difference between an individual exercising his own choice and a worker or soldier who is approached for contributions by his superior.

In such cases there's always tacit pressure on the donor since no one wants to risk displeasing someone who can make his life miserable.

A few complaints have surfaced about high-pressured enlistment. The government should ensure they don't spread and deal another blow to the institution of charity giving.

Too much harm has already been done.

Some recent reports: -

(1) Why force soldiers to donate?
I AM a Full-time National Serviceman in the army's Singapore Combat Engineers formation.

As in previous years, the soldiers in my unit were each given an Army Half Marathon donation card. Every soldier was given a minimum quota to meet. For my unit, the quota was $12 for NSFs and $40 for regulars.

This year, to my knowledge, every NSF met the quota. Then, recently, I was informed that each NSF would have to top up an additional $3 to $4, thanks apparently to surplus donation cards issued to my unit.

Sixteen dollars is about 5 per cent of a private's monthly allowance.
Small this amount may be, but it can still be a burden to soldiers facing financial difficulties.

As there are quotas, the organisation might as well deduct the 'donation' amount from soldiers' salaries or allowances.
Raymong Tai
Aug 16, 2005

These donations go to the Army Half Marathon Organisation or wiser to say is goes to SAFRA organisation. They have sponsers to sponser and support them.

Don't donate also cannot and also must donate at least $10. If return blank card to them kena (will get) charged.
The MasterPiece Chris Masters (OuDeFeNg)
Aug 15, 2005

Forced Charity?
Hi all, I have a question on being forced to do charity. Recently we were "asked" to donate a small sum of money $10-$20 although it was stated on the donation card: "Any amount of contribution helps".

But our organisation made it compulsory. So to avoid further trouble we donated as instructed.

Two weeks later, we were informed our organisation couldn't meet the required target (donations) because the company was given extra cards and every individual MUST donate another $3-$4. Of course, this was compulsory again.

Just want to find out, are there any rules stating that donations cannot be forced? Just can't accept the fact that we can't even have a say in how we want to use our money for donations.

I feel that the organisation is not being transparent enough as the management did not brief us on the targeted amount and to explain why some HAVE to pay less while some HAVE to pay more.
Jaxrpc, CNA
Aug 4, 2005

rabbitgem
You have several options:
1. If you wish to continue working in your current job, then what is $13-14? Maybe your management likes to "stick gold onto their face". Is it worth losing your job?

2. If you think you can get another job (after HR bad-mouth you) go ahead and complain. After all, you have no evidence to say you were forced. Be careful of those colleagues who say they support you. When it comes to the crunch, nobody will admit they were forced.

jaxrpc
Well actually I am in the army now. The extra donations that we were asked to donate is for the unit to reach certain targets (GOLD or SILVER).

According to friends in the army, Mindef have set the "RECOMMENDED" amount for NSF is $12. But after paying our fair share of $12, we were asked to pay another $4 as the target for the unit has not been met.

I mean what's the point of having a donation if there is a target to meet.

Donations are all about giving willingly and not just because the camp needs some medals or plagues on their shelves so we need to be forced to donate.
Aug 16, 2005