The Straits Times Causes Week is back this year for a third run.
Over the course of this week, this paper will spotlight various individuals and groups, and how they are making a difference through the causes they are passionate about.
These include a six-year-old boy starting a recycling collection service in his condominium, inspiring other children to follow suit; a group of former banking colleagues who revamped how food is distributed to the needy; and a "no talking" tea bar staffed by the hearing-impaired with deaf employees that wants busy people to slow down and embrace silence.
By highlighting these efforts, the paper hopes others people will be inspired to contribute, especially during the year-end season of giving.
Straits Times editor Warren Fernandez said: "We started the ST Causes Week to give up some space in the paper to people who are helping to make life a little better for others in the community. The response over the past two years has been good and, this year, it has been even better.
"By showcasing some of these people and projects, we hope to inspire others to give their support in whatever way they can. As the year draws to a close, and minds turn to festive celebrations, it is worth taking a moment to reflect on what we can do to make things a little better in the new year."
More than 150 individuals and groups responded to The Straits Times' call for story submissions last month - up from about 110 entries last year.
The submissions spanned a variety of causes - from helping students from low-income families to promoting an active lifestyle among seniors, reflecting the diversity of issues that people care about.
For instance, a group of volunteers hope to bring some joy to elderly cardboard collectors by organising meal gatherings for them. The volunteers will provide food or and entertainment for the seniors.
Mr Mohammed Nafiz Kamarudin, 33, one of the main organisers of the project, said: "I hope to build awareness about the situation of the invisible poor through Causes Week, so that the authorities and people will step in to provide financial and social support for these seniors."
Click here to find out more about these inspiring causes.
