Uber 'sleighs' deliver gifts to the needy during Giving Week

SINGAPORE - Black Uber cars with red reindeer "antlers" have been dashing down the streets of Singapore - all in the spirit of Christmas.

These "UberSLEIGHs" turned up in front of people's homes and offices on Friday (Dec 2) to collect toys, books, clothes and stationery for Singapore Red Cross, which will distribute the items to underprivileged children.

Another round of collections will take place on Saturday (Dec 3) between noon and 3pm. Those who want to donate can sign up via the Uber app and drivers will pick up the items.

The UberSLEIGH campaign is part of Giving Week, a range of events and activities encouraging people to donate to charity and volunteer. These range from Flour Power, a charity bake sale this weekend (Dec 3-4), to Human Library on Saturday (Dec 3), which aims to break down social barriers by getting people to talk to one other.

Public response so far has been positive.

An Uber spokesman said that the response on Friday (Dec 2) was "overwhelming" and exceeded the company's expectations.

Ms Dawn Teo, a 23-year-old student, took part in the UberSLEIGH campaign, donating more than 50 children's books by authors such as Enid Blyton and Roald Dahl from her house at River Valley.

She described the event as "a good start", but hopes to see more such charitable initiatives involving coporate firms in future.

Housewife Charis Hui, in her 40s, volunteered with Red Cross at the event, saying that she enjoyed "feeling you are making an immediate impact".

Singapore Red Cross' fund-raising head Dennis Yeo said it has received more donations this year with UberSLEIGH.

Giving Week, now in its second year, is organised by the National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre (NVPC) and lasts until Monday (Dec 5).

For more information on Giving Week, visit www.givingweek.sg .