What is the role of a Flag Day volunteer?

On Flag Day, volunteers will be in the streets raising funds necessary to help GDS continue providing lifelong support, as well as spreading awareness for the visually impaired community and guide dogs. Your primary responsibility as a volunteer will be to collect donations from members of the public.

How long do I have to volunteer for?

There is no time limit for volunteering. We welcome your participation, whether you are available for a few hours or the whole day. Our earliest volunteering slot starts at 10 am. You can indicate your reporting time on the sign-up form and should return to the reporting base by 6:30 pm on the event day.

Do I have to bring anything?

Since you will be out and about, please bring only essential items as there will not be any available storage space.

Will there be any volunteering briefing sessions?

Yes, there will be two briefing sessions for volunteers on 18 and 20 March (exact timing to be confirmed). You would only need to attend one. For those unable to attend either session, we will also send out the volunteering briefing deck to everyone, which you can refer to at any time.

Will there be any permit that we can show to members of the public to demonstrate our eligibility to collect donations on behalf of GDS?

Yes, there will be a QR code on the donation tin indicating that we are a registered charity and authorised to conduct this fundraising event. We will also provide you with a volunteer deck, which includes the permit for Flag Day collection.

Can I volunteer with my friends?

Yes, you can volunteer with as many family members and friends as you like. Each of you will need to sign up via the online form: bit.ly/gdsflagday24.

Will there be any guide dogs?

Our clients with vision impairment, including both white cane and guide dog users, will actively participate in GDS Flag Day 2024 to collect funds necessary for us to continue providing lifelong sustainable support for the visually impaired community. These clients will serve as ambassadors to promote inclusiveness, and you may have the opportunity to meet some of them.

I would need volunteering certification, is that possible?

Values-in-Action (VIA) hours or volunteering certification will be provided to those who require it. The certification will be granted only to individuals who volunteer for a minimum of 4 hours and collect $40 or more.

Why should I volunteer with GDS?

As a self-funded charity, donations play a pivotal role in supporting our mission of providing rehabilitation for individuals with vision loss. By volunteering with us, you will be able to help us raise funds to continue providing long-term support to the blind and low vision community and also contribute to raising awareness to build an inclusive society. Your involvement goes beyond monetary contributions; it creates a supportive environment for those facing vision challenges and fosters a sense of community.

I can’t make it for the event, is there any other ways I can support?

We truly appreciate your support for GDS and the blind and vision impaired community. Here are different ways you can support us:

1. Help us spread the word among your family and friends by sharing information about GDS Flag Day 2024.
2. Donate at giving.sg/gds. All donations to GDS during our campaign period from 1 March till 31 May 2024 are matched dollar-for-dollar by the Tote Board. This means when you donate $100, GDS will receive $200 in total. All direct donations to GDS of minimum S$20 are eligible for a 250% tax exemption. This means that a S$1,000 donation would result in a S$2,500 deduction on your tax assessment.
3. Invite us for an educational outreach talk. During this session, either a guide dog team or a VI client will be invited to share their personal journey of living with vision loss. This talk aims to enlighten participants about the VI community and guide dogs in Singapore, fostering awareness and highlighting your organisation’s commitment to inclusivity.
4. Conduct your own fundraising events. Some past fundraisers successfully organised by GDS’s partners include internal employee fundraising, merchandise sales, and yoga fundraisers.

Contact us at admin@guidedogs.org.sg to get involved.