Covid-19: Diana Ser and husband launch charity campaign to help vulnerable in Singapore

By now, most Singaporeans would have received their $600 government payout to help them cope with the Covid-19 pandemic. But some individuals need them more than many of us.

Because of this, many Singaporeans have come forward to donate their cash payout to online crowdfunding platforms that were set up to help out the disadvantaged, such as migrant workers hit by Covid-19.

Now, celebrities are coming forward as well. TV presenter Diana Ser and husband James Lye, a former Mediacorp actor, are using their influence to pay it forward. 

Diana Ser Launches Charity Campaign with Hubby

Apart from donating their $600 solidarity payout to the National Council of Social Service’s (NCSS) Invictus Fund that channels donations to vulnerable groups in Singapore, the couple has also gone the extra mile by launching a charity campaign to help raise funds for these vulnerable groups.

Together with the help of Ser's long-time friend in the public relations industry, Jansen Siak, an online website to host the #ShowWeCareSG campaign was created. 

With donations starting from $10, 100 per cent of the funds raised will go to 80 social services tending to the vulnerable elderly, families in need, children with special needs, youth-at-risk and persons with mental health conditions or disabilities. 

The campaign has gone live since 15 April and will close on 14 May. And all donations will also be eligible for tax deduction, according to Ser's husband. 

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Grew up in underprivileged family

After seeing many industries and families in face of an uncertain and worrying livelihood due to the pandemic, Ser said in an interview with Lianhe Wanbao that she hoped to contribute.

She also said that she could empathise with trying to make ends meet as she had grown up underprivileged.

As the eldest in the family, Ser had once seen her mother cry due to their circumstance. Her mum did not know how to feed Ser and her two siblings with only $10 in her purse for the week. 

Singapore Celebrities enlisted to help champion the cause

"The empty malls, shuttered shops and lone taxi drivers are stark reminders that everyone is hit by Covid-19, whether directly or indirectly. Very often, the least privileged are the hardest hit." Ser wrote in her Instagram post. 

Siak and Ser have also reached out to 80 local celebrities and personalities to help spread the word. They include Fann Wong, Christopher Lee, Michelle Chia, Cynthia Koh, Stephanie Sun and Andie Chen among others.

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Here's how you can donate to #ShowWeCareSG (ends 14 May)

1. Go to www.giving.sg/campaigns/_showwecaresg
2. Create an account
3. Choose or fill in your donation amount
4. Click "Claim Tax Deduction"
5. Choose your payment method

Your donation will be collected by Community Chest Singapore.

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For the latest updates on the coronavirus, visit here.

This article was first published in theAsianparent.