Red Shield Appeal Event 2025
Event on 26 July 2025
The Salvation Army Singapore commemorated 90 years of service at its annual Red Shield Appeal Luncheon 2025, held at Goodwood Park Hotel. The milestone event was graced by Guest-of-Honour President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and marked the official launch of It Takes A Village, a community-based initiative designed to empower and support informal caregivers. The initiative is spearheaded by The Salvation Army and supported by the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC).
This year’s luncheon carried the theme “Our Purpose Remains”, underscoring The Salvation Army’s enduring commitment to evolve with Singapore’s changing social landscape while staying steadfast in its mission to care for the vulnerable. The event raised over S$350,000, alongside S$6 million in legacy gifts recognised during the luncheon. Proceeds will go towards sustaining the organisation’s social and community programmes across 14 centres islandwide.
In 2024 alone, more than 25,000 individuals and families benefitted from The Salvation Army’s programmes — from elderly residents receiving dignified care at Peacehaven Nursing Home, to migrant workers finding renewed hope through the Sojourn Programme, and at-risk youths receiving therapy and mentorship at Gracehaven. Families also found restoration through Kids in Play, which reconnects incarcerated parents with their children. The organisation further strengthened its sustainability efforts through Re:Nue, its rebranded social enterprise championing circular retail and community engagement.
A Community Response to Caregiving: Launch of It Takes A Village
A key highlight of the luncheon was the launch of It Takes A Village, officiated by President Tharman. Developed by The Salvation Army and supported by AIC, the initiative responds to Singapore’s rapidly ageing population and the growing number of informal caregivers. It builds upon the caregiving and dementia-support services at Peacehaven, The Salvation Army’s eldercare arm.
According to the National Health Surveillance Survey (2013), 6–8% of residents aged 18 to 69 provide regular informal care — an estimated 240,000 individuals. With 152,000 people projected to be living with dementia by 2030, accessible and scalable caregiver support has become increasingly crucial.
It Takes A Village aims to reach 55,000 caregivers by 2030, equipping them with practical skills, digital tools, and peer support rooted in the belief that “Everybody is a Caregiver.”
Since its pilot in 2024, the initiative has reached over 17,500 individuals, forming partnerships with schools, corporates, non-profits, and government agencies. It aligns with national strategies such as Healthier SG, the Caregiver Support Action Plan (2019), and the Ageing in Place framework — collectively aimed at reducing early institutionalisation by strengthening community-based and preventive care.
Craft of Caring: Sharing Stories of Care Through Art
The luncheon also featured the debut of Craft of Caring, an art-based platform that brings together community artists and beneficiaries to co-create artworks reflecting journeys of care, healing, and resilience. Beyond imparting creative skills, the initiative doubles as art therapy, helping participants process their experiences through visual storytelling.
The first series features three original pieces created under the mentorship of renowned artist Barry Yeow, each representing the transformative power of compassion. These artworks were auctioned during the luncheon, with all proceeds channeled towards The Salvation Army’s community programmes.
Looking ahead, The Salvation Army remains steadfast in its mission to bring hope and dignity to those in need. By working hand in hand with partners, volunteers, and the wider community, the organisation seeks to build a Singapore where compassion is lived out daily, and where every person — especially the vulnerable — can find care, belonging, and a renewed sense of purpose.