By Eugene Koh, Content Contributor
Club Rainbow (Singapore) beneficiaries visit the Singapore Zoo and Madame Tussauds thanks to Pay-it-Forward programme by Trip.com.
As of 28 March 2021, it was reported by the Ministry for Trade and Industry that only 760,000 adult Singaporeans have used their SingapoRediscovers vouchers (SRV). Amongst those that have used their SRVs, a small number of Singaporeans have decided to do good by donating their S$100 tourism credits to charity organisations. Some of which are the 220 beneficiaries of Club Rainbow Singapore (CRS) for a day trip to the Singapore Zoo and 58 beneficiaries to Madame Tussauds Singapore.
Facilitated by Trip.com, the online travel agency is one of the authorized booking platforms appointed to facilitate the redemption of the SRVs. Apart from giving Singaporeans the best staycation and attraction deals, Trip.com is taking it a step further to provide an alternative way for Singaporeans to fully utilise their travel credits in a meaningful way through their “Pay-it-Forward” programme.
Launched in 1 December 2020, the initiative allows Singaporeans to donate the products bought using their SRVs; such as attractions, hotel stays or tours tickets to specific local beneficiary groups.
Through this initiative, Trip.com aims to raise awareness about the specific beneficiary groups, rally and inspire their stakeholders to support them in various ways during and beyond this campaign. In conjunction, they also wish to maximize the level of support to the local tourism industry through SRVs through ticket purchase. “It is our responsibility to step forward and support social service agencies and non-profit organisations which have been doing an amazing job empowering and caring for those who are more vulnerable or in need in our society. Their work and services will have a lasting impact on these beneficiaries.” Says Trip.com.
When asked about why Singaporeans would rather spent their credits on charity, Trip.com highlighted Singaporeans’ continuous support towards less-privileged communities and recognises that the COVID-19 pandemic could have also motivated this support.
Moving forward, Trip.com is looking for fresh and exciting ideas that can help raise awareness and encourage Singaporeans to support less-privileged individuals and families. “We are committed to playing our part in building a caring society and we are looking to expand our support and collaboration with these agencies beyond this "Pay It Forward" campaign.” Says Trip.com.
Apart from using their SRVs, Singaporeans may also support the Pay It Forward programme by paying for the products with their credit/debit cards as well as Trip coins. Alternatively, one can support Club Rainbow Singapore through sponsorship of our programmes, annual events, supporting online campaigns and even volunteering with us.
A social butterfly at heart, Eugene enjoys engaging with the people around him and building meaningful connections. He aspires to use his gift to engage and influence mass markets and make an impactful change in society.
When not mugging for his exams or fulfilling his National service duties, you can find him lurking around the pantry or queuing for bubble tea.