1. Who is the Singapore Red Cross and what does the organisation do?

Singapore Red Cross is dedicated to relieving human suffering, protecting human lives and dignity and responding to emergencies. Their vast network of donors, volunteers, employees and partners contribute to their life saving mission by serving in various services and programmes.

Source: https://www.redcross.sg/our-services.html

2. Will the funds reach the Afghanistan?

Yes. All collection will be channeled through the Singapore Red Cross which is working with Red Cross Red Crescent partners on the ground, including the Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS) and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), to deliver aid to affected communities. 

3. When is the period of donation?

The donation period would be held from 27 June 2022 to 10 July 2022.

4. Why can’t we donate outside the period?

It is because RLAF is leveraging and partnering with Singapore Red Cross (“SRC”) based on the permit that SRC obtained from the Commissioner of Charities (CoC). 

5. When will the funds reach Afghanistan?

All net donations received and accounted for will be given to Singapore Red Cross after the end of the campaign period. The Singapore Red Cross will do the necessary distributions.

6. How can I donate to the Afghanistan Earthquake Collection

PayNow – There are 2 ways to PayNow

a1. Scan or retrieve a screenshot of the above QR Code using your digital banking’s Scan & Pay. You will see “AFGHAN” in the Reference. Proceed to transfer.
a2. Choose PayNow to UEN and key in RLAF’s UEN: 200910530ZCHQ and then indicate “Afghanistan Earthquake” under Reference before transfer.

b. Giving.SG – campaign at giving.sg/rlafoundationsg/afghanistanearthquake

c. Interbank transfer via RLAF (Rahmatan lil Alamin Foundation) – Transfer to OCBC Current Account at a/c no: 601313315001 and indicate “Afghanistan Earthquake”

d. Issue a cheque payable to ‘RLAF’. State on back of cheque: donor’s name, contact number and indicate “Afghanistan Earthquake”. Mail your cheque to RLAF (Masjid Yusof Ishak, No 10, Woodlands Drive 17, Singapore 737740) or to MUIS (No. 273 Braddell Road, Singapore 579702)

There is no minimum amount of donation except if you are to donate via Giving.sg which sets a $10 minimum amount.

7. What is the minimum amount for donations?

There is no minimum amount of donation except if you are to donate via Giving.sg which sets a $10 minimum amount.

8. Will receipts be issued for my donations?

Non tax-deductible receipts will be issued upon request via e-mail. As per IRAS regulation, these donations are not tax-deductible as they are donations for “foreign charitable purposes”.

Source : https://www.iras.gov.sg/IRASHome/Individuals/Foreigners/Working-out-your-taxes/Deductions-for-Individuals/Donations/

9. What will the donation be allocated for?

The donation will be allocated to support the immediate needs of survivors and communities affected by the recent earthquake in Afghanistan. These needs include food, emergency shelter, emergency trauma care, non-food items, as well as water, sanitation and hygiene items.

10. Can our donations be considered as Zakat?

All contributions are not considered as Zakat but as donations.

11. I donated online but forgot to indicate “Afghan Earthquake” under remarks. Will my online donation still be accepted for this fundraising campaign?

Yes. Your online donation will still be accepted for this fundraising campaign provided the donation is submitted during the stated fundraising period.