If you happen to possess an abundance of CDC vouchers occupying space within your desk, home cabinet, or drawers, and they seem to be doing nothing but accumulate dust, here’s something you can do with them—even if you have no immediate intention to use these vouchers.
Starting from 1 December 2023, all Singaporean households can donate their unused Community Development Council (CDC) vouchers to a charity of their preference.
This donation initiative was announced by Minister for Culture, Community, and Youth Edwin Tong on Monday (27 November 2023).
According to The Straits Times, Minister Edwin Tong officially introduced this year’s donation campaign at a CDC networking luncheon held at the People’s Association Auditorium.
In the season of giving, let’s transform those overlooked vouchers into acts of philanthropy and goodwill.
Almost 10,000 Households Donated Unused CDC Vouchers Last Year
In a similar initiative conducted last year, about S$1.19 million worth of CDC vouchers from 2021 and 2022 were donated to 245 charitable organisations.
This substantial contribution stemmed from the generosity of about 9,880 households who participated in the donation.
They contributed their unused vouchers during the drive from 20 December 2022 to 31 January 2023.
Offering insight into the distribution of donations, Minister of State for Culture, Community and Youth, and Trade and Industry, Low Yen Ling, highlighted that healthcare-focused charities, including those aiding hospice patients, received 34% of the total contributions. The leading beneficiary was the Children’s Cancer Foundation.
Furthermore, 21% of donations were directed towards charities supporting families and children. In comparison, charities dedicated to youth and animal welfare organisations received approximately 11% of the donated funds.
The Cat Welfare Society received a commendable sum of $40,000.
Furthermore, the wildlife rescue group Animal Concerns Research and Education Society obtained $36,000, and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals was granted $26,000.
A significant portion, constituting 9% of the donations, was directed towards charities dedicated to assisting individuals with disabilities.
In keeping with the previous year’s practice, Singaporean households can conveniently contribute their unused CDC vouchers on their website.
Households will have the option to choose their preferred charitable recipient. They must log in via Singpass to complete the donation process.
Mr Tong said that as of early November, approximately 99% of Singaporean households have claimed their CDC Vouchers for this year.
Of this, 88% have used their vouchers at participating hawkers, local businesses, and supermarkets.
Starting 3 January 2023, each Singaporean household will receive a set of CDC Vouchers worth $300.
This distribution is vital to the comprehensive Assurance Package to mitigate the impact of the increased Goods & Services Tax (GST) on Singaporean households.
Additionally, it aligns with the $1.5 billion Support Package unveiled in October 2022.
The CDC Vouchers, valued at $150 each, can be used at participating heartland merchants, hawkers, or participating supermarkets. Singaporean households have until 31 December 2023 to claim and use their CDC Vouchers for 2023.
Next year, households will receive an enhanced sum of S$500 in CDC vouchers.
This amount will also be divided, with half of the vouchers, amounting to S$250, available for use at supermarkets and the remaining S$250 reserved for expenditure at participating hawkers and heartland merchants.