The Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (Muis) has announced the SGUnited Buka Puasa initiative, a ground-up effort to provide meals for the breaking of fast during the month of Ramadhan. In line with this year’s Ramadhan theme to strengthen resilience, this
effort rallies the community to unite and support each another during
the time of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Daily meals will be extended to two groups within the community, healthcare professionals and their families, as well as Muis’ zakat beneficiaries and other families who require the provision of meals during this challenging time. The initiative aims to express our gratitude and solidarity with those on the frontlines of the battle against COVID-19 and to support those who are significantly affected by the outbreak, Muis said.
The initiative is a joint collaboration between Muis, mosques, the
Rahmatan lil Alamin Foundation (RLAF), Peoples’ Association, Roses of
Peace and Singapore Malay Chamber of Commerce and Industry. It is
supported by SGUnited, M3 and SGTeguhBersatu Taskforce. The various agencies and community organisations will work together to distribute 15,000 meals per day throughout Ramadhan. Meals will be delivered to hospitals, community centres/clubs (CCs), or direct to homes of zakat beneficiaries.
Muis will kickstart the initiative with S$1 million in funding. RLAF will also mount a special fundraising effort via Giving.SG for donations from the public to raise another S$1.5 million, to meet the overall project fundraising target of S$2.5 million. The SGUnited Buka Puasa Fund fundraising drive will run from to 23 May 2020. All donations are eligible for tax deduction.
In support of local businesses, the funds raised will be channelled through SMCCI to local establishments like caterers and delivery services who will provide and deliver the meals.
Chief Executive of Muis Esa Masood said: “The act of giving towards the breaking of fast of others is an act that is highly commendable for Muslims, and every Ramadhan there is usually an outpouring of donations at our mosques to organise the communal breaking of fast. Even though our mosques are closed this Ramadhan, Muis and our mosques are happy and committed to be part of this meaningful initiative to reignite our community spirit and show solidarity with our healthcare workers, and those affected in the ongoing crisis.”
NMP Mohamed Irshad, founder of Roses of Peace, said: “Feeding people in need is a cornerstone of all religions, especially Islam. Over the years, Buka Puasa has become a massive community bonding affair bringing together the Muslim community and people of other faith traditions in Singapore. With the COVID-19 pandemic and circuit breaker measures in place, we are facing a real threat of people in need going hungry during this month. Roses of Peace is heartened to be part of this community-led initiative bringing together the public, private, and people sectors – in a first of its kind to exemplify the spirit of Ramadhan and SGUnited.”
Azrulnizam Shah Sohaimi, Executive Director, SMCCI, said: “SMCCI is heartened to be part of this meaningful initiative, as we believe strongly in giving back to the community. The chamber is confident that this groundbreaking effort will bring benefit and create a sense of unity amongst the varying segments of the community, synonymous with the spirit of Ramadhan.
This initiative is made even more meaningful as it allows SMCCI to partner its members in the food and beverage (F&B) industry, who are themselves, facing unprecedented challenges. This underlines the chamber's commitment in standing in solidarity, with its members, throughout their business journey.”
Details:
Registration for the daily meals can be made via www.bukapuasa.sg. Meals will be available for collection at 20 CCs across Singapore daily from 24 April 2020 to 23 May 2020 between 5.15 pm and 6.15 pm.
Residents who have registered for the meals are reminded to bring along their NRIC when collecting the meals at the CCs.
Precautionary measures such as putting on face masks, temperature taking and safe distancing measures will be strictly implemented.
Zakat beneficiaries will have their meals delivered to their homes, while healthcare professionals who are on duty will receive the packed meals delivered to their respective hospitals.