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 West Java?

All collection will be channeled through Mercy Relief which is in contact with their ground partner to deliver aid to affected communities.

3. When is the period of donation?

The donation period would be held from 26 November 2022 to 15 December 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 West Java?

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 the West Java Earthquake Appeal?

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 “West Java Earthquake” 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/westjavaearthquake

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

d. Issue a cheque payable to ‘RLAF’. State on back of cheque: donor’s name, contact number and indicate “West Java 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 communities affected by the earthquake in West Java, Indonesia. These needs include food, water, emergency shelter, 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 “West Java 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.