While Christmas is often a time for splurging and pampering your loved ones with presents and treats, it’s also good to remember that the holidays are a time of giving not only to those directly around us but also to those who need it the most.
It was with this spirit of giving in mind that led The Singapore Women’s Weekly to reach out to The Compassion Fund, a charity that acts as a crisis response centre in that it provides funding for needy students from low-income families who are facing setbacks in life. This could be due to death, illness or accident involving a breadwinner in the family that ultimately results in loss of income.

Together, we organised a fun day out for around 45 children that consisted of an afternoon of jumping, bouncing and hopping at BOUNCE trampoline park, the ultimate indoor playground, located in Cineleisure Orchard. Featuring a different variety of trampoline zones, Asia’s first Ninja-Warrior-like adventure course: X-Park and Singapore’s first “Leap of Faith”, BOUNCE Singapore caters to everyone from kids aged three and above to youths, adults and fitness enthusiasts. It was the perfect location for kids to let loose for a few hours. To see the children, many of whom have often struggled to find joy in their early years, smiling and laughing with glee brought us immeasurable happiness that no present could top.

This Christmas, we encourage you to spread the cheer in your own way because every little bit makes a difference, especially to those who have nothing to begin with. Don’t know where to start? We’ve got some charitable ideas for you take part in below while you peruse the photo gallery of our event:
READ MORE:
10 Helpful Ways To Raise More Generous Kids
10 Ways To Give And Make A Difference In Someone’s Life Today
10 Christmas Sales You Need To Know About In Singapore
Volunteering is one of the single greatest things you can do this holiday season and the rest of the year. No matter what you volunteer your time and efforts toward, volunteering is a selfless act that betters the community in the long run.
Donating is easy to do and it makes a big difference. You can donate money to a charity, donate clothes to a homeless shelter or donate food or toys to needy families this holiday season.
Make someone’s day by paying for their order while at a restaurant or fast food joint. They may not get a chance to thank you, but you can be assured they’ll be elated by the thoughtful gesture.
(Read more: 10 Christmas Gifts Fo Her Below $20)
Just one pint of blood can save up to three lives so take the time to stop and give blood if you can. Not everyone is eligible for this, so check with your local blood center to see if you can give this generous gift.
Help a neighbour put up their Christmas lights, assist an elderly person when crossing the street or carry a stranger’s grocery bags to their car, all for free. These simple acts of kindness go a long way and will be much appreciated.
Too often people who live in nursing homes celebrate the holidays alone. You can make these senior citizens feel loved by visiting them during the holidays and spending time with them for just one hour.
(Read more: 10 Christmas Gifts For Him Below $20)
Food drives of all kinds help feed families in your community during the holidays. Whether you donate canned goods, produce, gift certificates or sweets, food drives are effective at feeding the hungry.
It may not always be possible to adopt a pet for real but you can still make a difference by symbolically adopting an animal with the WWF. These gifts support the conservation of endangered animals and make perfect charitable presents for kids (and some adults!)
No, not just any old T-shirt! The Straits Times has launched an online pop-up store, where shoppers can buy made-to-order T-shirts during the festive season. Part of the proceeds from the T-shirt sales will go to The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund.
(Read more: 10 Fun Christmas Gifts For Kids)
Take balloons or small gifts to the children’s ward of your nearest hospital. Clean out your closet and give items you don’t need to the local shelter or choose some books you haven’t read in awhile and give them to your community library.