The Straits Times Causes Week is back for its fifth year.

Over the course of this week, the paper will spotlight various individuals and groups, and share how they are making a difference through the causes they are passionate about.

They include conservation enthusiasts who hold regular nature walks, a lawyer who distributes leftover Starbucks food to migrant workers, and a man who organises and pays for the funerals of the needy and disadvantaged, regardless of race and religion.

By highlighting these efforts, the paper hopes to inspire people to contribute, especially during the year-end season of giving.

It also hopes to feature lesser-known groups which may need help in getting the word out about their work.

ST editor Warren Fernandez, who is also editor-in-chief of Singapore Press Holdings' English, Malay and Tamil Media Group, said: "Many people and groups do good work to help those in need, away from the media spotlight.

"They would like more to know about their work, to help them raise funds, attract volunteers or just to get some recognition for their efforts. Causes Week is our way of helping them do so."

Many individuals and groups responded to The Straits Times' call for story submissions last month.

The submissions spanned a variety of causes - from running simulation workshops on ageing and disability so participants walk away with more empathy, to food apps that help stay-at-home mothers and low-income women.

There are at least three such apps in Singapore now, which allow women to earnextra income by cooking extra portions and selling home-cooked food to appreciative neighbours.

Mr Renton Yap, 38, founder of one such app, Hcook, wrote to ST about his work.

He said: "Hopefully, through Causes Week, more can join us as home chefs, and buyers will also know that they can support these women through our platform."