1. Who is Mercy Relief and what does the organisation do?

Headquartered in Singapore, Mercy Relief was established in 2003 to respond to human tragedies and disasters in Asia Pacific. Mercy Relief provides emergency aid within 72 hours of an appeal in the aftermath of a disaster. Their longer-term sustainable development programmes aim to uplift and empower communities in five key areas: water and sanitation, shelter, sustainable livelihoods, healthcare and education.

For the past 18 years, Mercy Relief has responded to more than 86 human tragedies with more than $45.3 million in relief across 26 countries. They have implemented more than 72 post-disaster projects and impacted an aggregate of over 2.7 million lives.

Source: https://www.mercyrelief.org/who/about-us/

2. Will the funds reach the Philippines?

Yes. All collection will be channeled through Mercy Relief which is in contact with their ground partner, Citizens’ Disaster Response Centre Foundation (CDRC), to ascertain the appropriate aid required and stand ready to expand immediate relief operations where necessary.

3. When is the period of donation?

The donation period would be held from 17 January to 22 January 2022.

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

It is because RLAF is leveraging and partnering with Mercy Relief based on the permit that Mercy Relief obtained from the Commissioner of Charities (CoC). 

5. When will the funds reach Philippines?

All net donations received and accounted for will be given to Mercy Relief after the end of the campaign period. Mercy Relief will do the necessary distributions.

6. How can I donate to Typhoon Rai in The Philippines?

1. 1. Giving.SG – giving.sg/rlafoundationsg/typhoonrai
   2. Muslim.SG – RLAF – Typhoon Rai in the Philippines
   3. Interbank transfer via RLAF (Rahmatan Lil Alamin Foundation) – Transfer toPayNow – you would need to key in RLAF’s UEN: 200910530ZCHQ and indicate under remarks – Rai or alternatively scan the QR code provided. OCBC Current Account at a/c no: 601313315001
   4. Issue a cheque payable to ‘RLAF’. State on back of cheque: donor’s name, contact number and indicate “Typhoon Rai”. Mail your cheque to RLAF (Masjid Yusof Ishak, No 10, Woodlands Drive 17, Singapore 737740) or to MUIS (No. 273 Braddell Road, Singapore 579702)

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 address water, sanitation and hygiene needs of communities affected by Typhoon Rai in the Philippines.

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 “Typhoon Rai or RAI” 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.

12. Why are you collecting for Typhoon Rai in the Philippines and Malaysia flood survivors now?

The floods in Malaysia and Typhoon Rai in the Philippines had resulted in the loss of lives and severe and widespread destruction of property, causing hardship and suffering to many communities in both countries. Severe property destruction and damage had certainly resulted in a loss of income and impacted livelihoods. As such, besides immediate disaster relief response, aid is also needed in the recovery and rebuilding of lives towards what had been before.