With a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip looming, a donation drive is being held this Sunday (January 19) from 2pm to 8pm for items to help civilians affected by the war.

Organised by Relief Singapore, a crisis-response NGO, the donation drive is for necessary items to aid civilians in the Gaza Strip, which has been at the centre of the conflict since October 2023. All items collected will be handed over to the Singapore Armed Forces, which will facilitate the aid delivery, supported by its Jordanian partners.

Members of the public can go to the donation centre, Bethesda Bedok Tampines Church (300 Bedok North Avenue 3, Singapore 469717), this Sunday (2-8pm) to drop off selected items:

1. Dried food: Rice (5kg or 10kg), pasta, flour (bread/all-purpose), lentils, beans, dried fruits (dates, figs, apricots)
2. Canned food: halal-certified; at least 6 months shelf life; for suggested items, visit https://www.facebook.com/relief.sg
3. Toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap
4. Female sanitary pads
5. Baby diapers
6. Household pots and pans
7. Cooking spoons, spatulas and ladles (preferably all three in a set; wooden/plastic)
8. Colander or large bowl (for washing lentils, grains, vegetables etc)
9. Stovetop kettle (non-electric; for use over open flame)

All other items will be rejected, the organisers said. This donation drive is for one day only, and items given after will not be accepted.

Relief Singapore had previously held a blanket donation drive for Gaza civilians in November 2023, at the same venue, which saw 5.3 tonnes of blankets collected. 

The NGO also organised a canned food donation drive at Bartley Christian Church in March 2024.