NTUC-U Care Fund Raises Close to $7 Million to Help Lower-Income Union Members with Rising Costs

With a focus on the rising cost of living, the NTUC-U Care Fund raised close to $7 million in 2022 to help over 15,000 lower-income NTUC union members and their family members through various assistance programmes.

The amount was unveiled at an appreciation dinner on 9 November 2022 to thank its donors and partners.

The contributions from over 100 new and long-standing donors were critical to the U Care Fund’s fundraising efforts this year.

Notable donors included Singapore Labour Foundation, NTUC Income, FairPrice Foundation and Mercatus Co-operative, who collectively contributed $4.2 million.

NTUC-affiliated unions and associations also had a strong showing with their donations of over $900,000 in total.

NTUC Assistant Director-General Zainal Sapari shared that the U Care Fund remains committed to help union members who are currently facing cost pressures.

“We are grateful to the Labour Movement network and esteemed donors, who are dedicated to doing good in the face of economic uncertainties. Together with our partners, NTUC U Care Fund will continue our efforts in helping members to emerge stronger and to be more resilient in the face of adversities,” said Mr Zainal, who is also the director of the NTUC Care and Share Department.

In a bid to better serve members and donors, the fund also introduced ONECARE, a new one-stop portal for members to enjoy seamless applications. It also enables donors to make convenient donations online.

Tackling Rising Costs

To step up the support for union members facing increasing costs, the U Care Fund introduced a new programme this year to lighten their burden.

Launched in August, the NTUC Care Fund (Special Assistance) gave a one-off cash sum of up to $150 to eligible members for daily essentials. To date, over 8,000 members have benefited from more than $1 million in support.

This is on top of the yearly NTUC Care Fund (e-Vouchers) programme, which disburses $100 in e-vouchers and $100 per school-going child to eligible members.

One grateful beneficiary is 50-year-old union member Kumarasamy Supaya.

“We are thankful to U Care Fund for helping us financially. With the NTUC Care Fund (e-Vouchers), we were able to buy school essentials like shoes and stationery. Thank you, donors and U Care Fund,” said the sole breadwinner of a family of six, who has benefited from various assistance programmes over the years.

Fundraising Partnerships

This year also saw the U Care Fund continue its collaboration with new and regular partners to do good.

Run to C.A.R.E

The U Care Fund marked a fundraising milestone this year by teaming up with NTUC Club for its inaugural virtual charity run ― Run to C.A.R.E.

The event racked up over $70,000 in donations.

HyperLive Entertainment

Another key partnership in 2022 was with local entertainment and lifestyle company HyperLive Entertainment.

Over $150,000 was raised for U Care Fund’s members in need through an inaugural live charity bazaar and a charity e-sports festival.

Partnerships for Good

Partnerships with technology associations were another fundraising highlight of the year.

This saw U Care Fund collaborate separately with Singapore FinTech Association for Fintech for Good 2022, as well as Blockchain Association Singapore for Blockchain for Good 2022.

Funds raised for the two initiatives amounted to $120,000 and more than $140,000 respectively.