Where To Volunteer In Singapore: Family-Friendly Opportunities For Kids And Adults

CHILDREN’S WISHING WELL: Clementi & Bukit Merah *Where To Volunteer In Singapore

Children’s Wishing Well (CWW) offers a variety of volunteer opportunities aimed at supporting children and youth from low-income families in Singapore. Volunteers aged 18 and above can engage in roles such as one-on-one tutoring for primary school students, assisting in classroom activities like numeracy and speech & drama sessions, facilitating reading clubs to promote literacy, and supporting content creation workshops.

These programs are conducted at CWW's centers in Clementi and Bukit Merah, with commitments typically ranging from weekly sessions to specific term periods. To get involved, interested individuals can register through CWW's volunteer portal, where they will be guided through the application process and matched with suitable programs based on their interests and availability.

Children’s Wishing Well, https://volunteer.wishingwell.org.sg/

• Blk 365 Clementi Ave 2 #01-502, Singapore 120365, +65 6777 0041
• Blk 3779 Jalan Bukit Merah #02-02, Singapore 159462, +65 6970 8239

WILLING HEARTS: Telok Kurau *Where To Volunteer In Singapore

Volunteering at Willing Hearts offers a meaningful, hands-on opportunity for families to contribute to the community together. This volunteer-driven charity operates a soup kitchen that prepares and distributes approximately 10,000 meals daily to underprivileged individuals across Singapore. Volunteers can assist in various tasks such as food preparation, packing, cleaning, and even gardening, with shifts available from 5am to 5pm.

Children aged 5 to 12 are welcome to participate when accompanied by an adult, making it an ideal activity for families. For those interested in delivering meals, drivers with their own vehicles can help distribute food island-wide. To get involved, individuals and small groups can register and walk in, while larger groups should book in advance.

Willing Hearts, 1 Lorong J Telok Kurau, Singapore 425792, +65 6476 5822, https://willinghearts.org.sg/volunteer

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY: Geylang *Where To Volunteer In Singapore

Volunteering with Habitat for Humanity Singapore offers a hands-on way to transform lives and living spaces across the island. Through their flagship program, Project HomeWorks, volunteers collaborate in small teams to rehabilitate homes for vulnerable individuals, tackling tasks like decluttering, deep cleaning, painting, and basic repairs to create safer, more dignified living environments. No prior experience is needed, and volunteers aged 15 and above are welcome to join.

For those passionate about leading, becoming a HomeWorks Champion allows you to guide fellow volunteers and manage on-site sessions.

Beyond local efforts, Habitat also offers overseas opportunities like Global Village and Batam Build, where volunteers help construct homes alongside families in need. Whether you're interested in one-time events or ongoing commitments, there's a role for everyone. Learn more and sign up at habitat.org.sg/our-work.​

Habitat for Humanity, 56 Lorong 23 Geylang, Century Technology Building, #05-00, Singapore 388381, +65 6744 7326, info@habitat.org.sg, www.habitat.org.sg/our-work

ITSRAININGRAINCOATS: Islandwide *Where To Volunteer In Singapore

Looking for a fun, flexible way to do good? Volunteering with ItsRainingRaincoats (IRR) is all about spreading kindness and connection to Singapore’s migrant worker community. You can help out at inspIRRe, their cheerful, first-of-its-kind free store just for male migrant workers, where volunteers help with everything from restocking and sorting to welcoming visitors.

Got skills to share? They’re always looking for people who can support behind the scenes too—think digital marketing, video editing, speaking Tamil or Bangla, or even helping out with events. It’s low-commitment, high-impact, and perfect if you want to pitch in at your own pace. Sign up via their volunteer form or drop them a message to join their WhatsApp group and stay in the loop!

ItsRainingRaincoats, https://itsrainingraincoats.com/

RIDING FOR THE DISABLED ASSOCIATION (RDA): Off Upper Thomson *Where To Volunteer In Singapore

The Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) Singapore is the only charity in the country offering free equine-assisted therapeutic sessions to children and adults with physical and mental disabilities. Since its inception in 1982, RDA has provided therapy to over 7,000 beneficiaries, helping them achieve milestones such as improved motor coordination, core strength, and social skills.

Volunteers play a crucial role in these sessions, starting as sidewalkers who support and encourage riders during their therapy. No prior horse experience is required, as training is provided. Volunteers must be at least 16 years old, and those under 21 require parental consent. A commitment of one session per week for a 10-week term is preferred to ensure continuity for the riders. In addition to therapy sessions, volunteers can assist with barn work and fundraising events like Race Day and charity carnivals.

To get involved, complete the volunteer form and contact the volunteer coordinator at volunteers@rdasingapore.org.sg.

Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA), 5 Jln Mashhor, Singapore 299174, +65 6250 0176, https://rdasingapore.org/support-us/be-a-volunteer/

SMILE ASIA: Multiple Locations *Where To Volunteer In Singapore

Smile Asia offers a diverse range of volunteer opportunities for both medical and non-medical individuals passionate about transforming the lives of children with facial deformities. Medical professionals—including plastic surgeons, anesthetists, nurses, and pediatricians—can participate in surgical missions across Asia, providing critical care while gaining hands-on experience in a collaborative environment.

Non-medical volunteers play equally vital roles, from assisting with patient registration and translating during missions to documenting stories through photography and videography, or supporting fundraising and awareness events.

Students can also get involved through Smile Asia’s Student Initiative, which fosters leadership and service among youth via school-based chapters and service-learning projects. To join, volunteers must register through Smile Asia’s official website, and while medical volunteers from Asia typically incur no team fees, those from other regions may be subject to a fee to support mission logistics.

Smile Asia, www.smileasia.org/engage/volunteer

NPARKS: Multiple Locations *Where To Volunteer In Singapore

Volunteering with the National Parks Board (NParks) offers a diverse array of opportunities for individuals and families eager to contribute to Singapore's transformation into a City in Nature. Whether you're passionate about biodiversity conservation, community engagement, or horticulture, there's a role for everyone. Engage in activities like forest patrols, citizen science projects, or habitat enhancement to protect and preserve our natural heritage.

Families can participate in programs such as the OneMillionTrees movement, where volunteers help plant trees and educate others about the importance of greenery in urban spaces. For those interested in marine life, the Biodiversity Beach Patrol offers a chance to monitor sea turtles and horseshoe crabs along our shores. NParks welcomes volunteers of all ages, with specific guidelines for younger participants to ensure a safe and enriching experience. To explore the full range of volunteering opportunities and sign up, visit the NParks volunteer portal at nparks.gov.sg/get-involved/volunteer.​

NParks, Multiple Locations, www.nparks.gov.sg/get-involved/volunteer/volunteer-with-us

NATIONAL LIBRARY BOARD: Multiple Locations *Where To Volunteer In Singapore

The kidsREAD Volunteer programme by the National Library Board (NLB) offers an exciting opportunity to make a positive impact in children's lives by volunteering to lead storytelling and reading sessions for children aged 4 to 8. To get involved, volunteers aged 15 and above can sign up to conduct weekly reading sessions at various locations such as community centres, schools, and social service agencies.

Volunteers receive training in storytelling techniques and are expected to commit to at least six months, dedicating one hour per week. The programme also includes an extension called kidsREAD@Home, which brings reading sessions directly to children in rental flats, ensuring more families can access this enriching experience.

Volunteering with kidsREAD allows you to help nurture a love for reading in young children while also contributing to the community. More details and registration information can be found on the NLB website.

National Library Board, www.nlb.gov.sg/main/partner-us/volunteer-with-us/KidsRead-Volunteer

MAKE-A-WISH FOUNDATION: Multiple Locations *Where To Volunteer In Singapore

Join the #WishGranter team and become part of the world’s largest wish-granting charity, making a life-changing impact on children with critical illnesses and their families.

As a volunteer, you’ll be involved in capturing the children’s one true wish, helping design and plan it, and bringing the wish to life on wish day. There are two key volunteer roles available: Wish Granter and Creative Volunteer. Wish Granters help fulfill wishes and create unforgettable experiences, while Creative Volunteers contribute their skills in areas like design and event planning.

Applications for Wish Granters open from March 3 to May 22, 2025, with training in March 2025. Creative Volunteer applications are open until March 31, 2025. Due to high demand, Wish Granter positions may have a waitlist, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Make A Wish Foundation, https://makeawish.org.sg/support#volunteer

THE FOOD BANK SINGAPORE - FOOD DISTRIBUTION

The Food Bank Singapore offers a variety of volunteer opportunities for individuals eager to combat food insecurity and reduce food waste. Roles include Warehouse Volunteers who assist with sorting and packing food donations, Vending Machine Masters responsible for restocking food vending machines across the island, and Bank Box Masters who collect food donations from public drop-off points.

Additionally, Delivery Assistants support the logistics team in transporting food items to beneficiaries. These roles cater to different schedules and commitments, allowing volunteers to contribute in ways that suit their availability. By participating, volunteers play a crucial part in ensuring that surplus food reaches those in need, making a tangible difference in the community.

The Food Bank Singapore, volunteer@foodbank.sg, www.foodbank.sg

TRASH HERO SINGAPORE: Multiple Locations *Where To Volunteer In Singapore

​Trash Hero Singapore, established in June 2017, is a volunteer-driven initiative dedicated to creating a cleaner and more sustainable city. The group organizes regular cleanups of beaches and streets, providing all necessary materials like gloves and cleaning tools—no sign-up or fees required. Beyond cleanups, they collaborate with local schools to offer educational resources and opportunities for students to participate in environmental activities.

To combat single-use plastic waste, Trash Hero Singapore promotes a bottle refill program, encouraging the use of reusable bottles that can be refilled at various stations across the city. Interested individuals can join their efforts by participating in cleanups, donating supplies, or becoming a bottle refill station. For the latest updates and event details, visit their Facebook page. ​

Trash Hero Singapore, www.facebook.com/TrashHeroSingapore

HOPE CENTRE: Lavender *Where To Volunteer In Singapore

​Hope Centre (Singapore) is a non-profit organization dedicated to uplifting communities through a range of volunteer-driven initiatives that support children, youth, seniors, and vulnerable families. Volunteers can engage as Drop-In Befrienders for children and youth, mentoring them through educational and recreational activities during after-school hours and holiday programs. For those passionate about senior care, opportunities include facilitating arts and crafts, exercise sessions, and home visits to provide companionship and support to elderly residents.

Community outreach programmes like Project Sparkle and Bread with Love offer avenues to assist in cleaning rental flats and distributing food to families in need, fostering stronger community bonds. Additionally, the Intergenerational Programme encourages meaningful interactions between youth and seniors, promoting mutual understanding and respect. To join these impactful initiatives, interested individuals can fill out the volunteer form on Hope Centre's website.​

Hope Centre, 806 King George’s Avenue, #03-222, Singapore 200806, +65 6909m5244, office@hopecentre.org.sg, https://hopecentre.org.sg/

AWARE SINGAPORE: Multiple Locations *Where To Volunteer In Singapore

AWARE Singapore provides a variety of volunteer opportunities for individuals passionate about advancing gender equality and supporting women in need. Volunteers can contribute in numerous roles, including helpline support, legal advice, event organization, translation, design, IT support, and research. For instance, helpline volunteers undergo comprehensive training to offer empathetic support to women facing challenges, while legal clinic volunteers provide pro bono advice on family law matters. Event volunteers assist in organizing fundraising activities, and translators help make resources accessible in multiple languages.

Additionally, roles in design, IT, and research allow volunteers to apply their professional skills towards meaningful causes. Interested individuals can explore detailed role descriptions and application procedures on AWARE's volunteer center page.

AWARE Singapore, www.aware.org.sg/volunteer-centre/vol-descriptions

ACTION FOR SINGAPORE DOGS (ASD): *Where To Volunteer In Singapore

Action for Singapore Dogs (ASD) offers meaningful volunteer roles for those passionate about helping stray and abandoned dogs. Opportunities include rehoming, fostering, fundraising, logistics, transport, and kennel support at the ASD Canine Rehoming Centre. Volunteers must attend training over three weekends and commit to at least two sessions a month for six months. Applicants should be 21 or older (24–45 for those without experience with Singapore Specials).

The next intake is in June 2025, but help is always needed in transport and corporate/student programs. Learn more or apply at https://asdsingapore.com/.

Action For Singapore Dogs (ASD), info@asdsingapore.com https://asdsingapore.com/volunteer

HOUSE RABBIT SOCIETY SINGAPORE: *Where To Volunteer In Singapore

House Rabbit Society Singapore (HRSS) is an all-volunteer organization dedicated to rabbit welfare, focusing on rescue, rehoming, and public education. While HRSS does not offer on-site volunteering opportunities for tasks like cleaning or feeding rabbits, they welcome support in other meaningful ways.

Volunteers can contribute by providing foster homes for rescued rabbits, assisting with transportation to veterinary appointments or new homes, and participating in fundraising and educational outreach events. Those interested in volunteering can reach out via email or connect through HRSS's social media platforms for more information.

House Rabbit Society Singapore, www.facebook.com/FHRSS