Crisis Centre (Singapore) charity given 6-month suspension from fund-raising activities
SINGAPORE — The Commissioner of Charities (COC) has suspended the Crisis Centre (Singapore) from conducting fund-raising appeals for a period of six months, with effect from Thursday (15 August).
During the suspension period, the charity group will be allowed to continue with its daily operations, but cannot make appeals for funds for “charitable, benevolent or philanthropic purposes”, said the COC in a media release.
“This order serves to protect the public while investigations into the Charity’s fund-raising activities are ongoing,” the COC added.
The COC noted that Crisis Centre (Singapore) was set up on 16 January last year and was granted charity status on 9 May last year. The group provides a transitional shelter for men who are homeless or who are at risk of becoming homeless.
“Investigations to date have raised serious concerns about the Charity’s governance, record-keeping practices and ability to be accountable to its donors,” said Commissioner of Charities Ang Hak Seng, noting that the COC had received feedback on Crisis Centre (Singapore)’s fund-raising appeals.
“Therefore, I am satisfied that there are grounds to exercise my powers under the Charities Act to suspend the conduct of fund-raising appeals by the Charity during the stated period, pending further investigations into the concerned appeals, in order to safeguard the public interest,” he added.
Don’t feel pressured to donate: COC
In its release, the COC advised members of the public who are approached by fund-raisers to be discerning and not feel pressured to make an immediate donation.
Potential donors should practice three steps – “Ask, Check, Give” – before making a donation decision, said the COC. This entails:
Asking questions, such as who the beneficiary is, how the donations will be used, and how much of the donations go to the beneficiary
Checking the legitimacy of the charity organisation. This can be done via the Charity Portal, scanning the donation requester’s Fund-raising Permit QR code, or by SMS-ing “FR<space><license/certificate number or organisation name>” to 79777
Making a donation only when one is assured that the appeal is legitimate and that the donation will go to its intended recipient
Members of the public can report suspicious fund-raising activities to the COC or make a police report if a fraud or scam is suspected.
More Singapore stories:
Goal 2020: Joseph Schooling finds inspiration in book about Russian swimmer, old news articles
Missing Singaporean kayakers: Son of Puah Geok Tin confirms her death
