Singapore Red Cross to distribute air purifiers, care packs to vulnerable groups amid haze and heat

SRC said 700 people will benefit from the first tranche of support. Read more at straitstimes.com.

The Straits TimesCalista Wong2026-09-07 12:14查看原文 ↗

The Singapore Red Cross said it will be stepping up its ground response to help vulnerable communities whose health may be at risk due to the poor air quality.

ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI

Published Sep 07, 2026, 12:14 PM

Updated Sep 07, 2026, 12:14 PM

Singapore Red Cross will distribute air purifiers and care packs to about 700 vulnerable people, including seniors living alone, to protect them from haze and heat.

Support packs include hydration supplies, ready-to-eat food, and some may receive three months of electricity bill support for air purifier use.

Volunteers will be trained to spot heat and haze distress, and the public can donate with a 250% tax deduction to support these efforts.

SINGAPORE – About 700 people will receive essential items, such as air purifiers and isotonic drinks, in the coming days to tide them through the haze and heat situation in Singapore.

In a statement on Sept 7 , the Singapore Red Cross (SRC) said it will be stepping up its ground response to help vulnerable communities whose health may be at risk due to the poor air quality.

In the next few days, the humanitarian organisation will look at giving out air purifiers, as well as heat and haze support packs, to 200 seniors aged above 70 and staying alone.

These support packs will contain hydration supplies and other essential items.

Some seniors will also receive three months of electricity bill support to help them with the use of the air purifiers.

The seniors are part of SRC’s Home Monitoring and Eldercare, as well as Medical Chaperone and Transportation programmes.

As prolonged exposure to heat and haze can be particularly dangerous for seniors , the measures will provide a vital layer of protection for this group and reduce the need for them to go outdoors when conditions deteriorate, SRC said.

This initiative comes after air quality in Singapore hit unhealthy levels for the first time since October 2023 , with the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index (PSI) crossing the threshold reading of 101 on the morning of Sept 4.

The National Environment Agency (NEA) began issuing daily haze advisories that day.

SRC said that an additional 500 people from vulnerable groups will also receive care packs containing coconut water, isotonic drinks, suitable ready-to-eat food, basic hygiene items, and other practical essentials.

These supplies will help them remain hydrated, reduce unnecessary outdoor activities, and follow the NEA’s health advisories as far as possible, the organisation said.

It will also tap its existing programmes, community networks and partners to provide tailored support to these communities.

For example, SRC’s community befrienders will be trained to recognise signs of distress caused by heat and haze, and take action.

Volunteers and staff on the ground will also be equipped with N95 masks, when required, while providing assistance to those in areas affected by poor air quality, it said.

“When temperatures rise and air quality deteriorates, the consequences can be far more serious for those already at risk,” said SRC secretary-general and chief executive Benjamin William.

“No one should have to face these conditions alone... We urge everyone to stay vigilant, follow official health advisories, and check in on those who may need help,” he added.

SRC’s latest tranche of support builds on an earlier islandwide outreach in April , which saw the group distribute care packs targeted specifically at protection against heat and haze .

The outreach included heat resilience talks for 450 outdoor migrant workers.

Members of the public can donate to SRC to support its ongoing efforts to protect vulnerable groups from the heat and haze.

Donations are eligible for a 250 per cent tax deduction, and can be made through the following methods.

Credit card – At redcross.sg/srchazeandheat

PayNow – Key in UEN: S86CC0370ETSP and indicate “ Haze & Heat (your NRIC/FIN/UEN for tax deduction) ” under the bill reference.

Cheques – Payable to Singapore Red Cross Society, with “SG Haze & Heat” indicated on the back. Also include your name, postal address, and NRIC/FIN (for tax deduction) on the back, and mail it to Red Cross House.

In person – Donations can be made at the Red Cross House at 15 Penang Lane during office hours.

Raise funds – Register as a third-party fund-raiser with SRC, or set up a campaign on Giving.sg

Crowdfunding and fundraising

新加坡红十字会表示，将加强实地应对措施，帮助那些因空气质量差而健康可能受到威胁的弱势群体。

ST 照片：林耀辉

发布于 2026 年 9 月 7 日下午 12:14

更新于2026年9月7日下午12:14

新加坡红十字会将向约700名弱势群体（包括独居老人）分发空气净化器和护理包，以保护他们免受雾霾和高温的影响。

援助包包括补水用品、即食食品，部分受助者可能还会获得三个月的空气净化器电费补贴。

志愿者将接受培训，以便识别高温和雾霾危害，公众可以捐款支持这些工作，捐款可享受 250% 的税收减免。

新加坡——未来几天，约有700人将收到空气净化器和等渗饮料等必需品，以帮助他们度过新加坡的雾霾和高温天气。

新加坡红十字会（SRC）在9月7日发表声明称，将加强地面应对措施，以帮助那些因空气质量差而健康可能受到威胁的弱势群体。