The world has taken a hit with the outbreak of Covid-19, and the various industry sectors, from tourism to finance, airlines and schools, have all taken a toll.
With measures in place to help us all #stayhome and only go out to get essentials, local businesses have taken a hit. Unlike larger establishments, smaller local companies don’t often have the luxury to rely on funds or investments during these times, and while they’re doing their best to survive, it’ll only be successful with our support.
During times like this, it’s heart-warming to see that the best of humanity always shines through. There are numerous examples on the web (Beng Who Cooks, Preetipls pooling donations for migrant workers), even as we scroll through social media, we see posts and stories from friends and family members offering to help those who can’t afford to cook or buy groceries due to unfortunate circumstances.
As we all do our part to help each other, we’ve round up some ways you can help support local businesses:
1. Shop online
Due to the various measures in place to help keep us all safe and at home, retail shops are no longer opened, and not all have an online presence or have the ability to transition their businesses online.
For those that do have an online shop, continue to support them by patronising them to help keep them going and come back once it’s over, your dollar can make all the difference to local shops. Head over to Chope and Save to buy a gift card for yourself or a loved one, which is a great way to help inject some cash to businesses to tide through this.
Yuyu: Laneige Water Sleeping Mask (Lavender)
Here at Atome, we have shops that we love as well such as Yuyu which sells health and beauty products – from make-up to skincare, with the belief that self-confidence is the most beautiful thing anyone can wear, Yuyu is here to help everyone look and feel good about themselves.
BeautyMaker: Sunset Multi–Texture Eyeshadow Palette
Those obsessed with fresh face, “popsicle-stained” lips, straight brows looks, can shop all your essential make-up at BeautyMaker.
EnvyHer: Maxstretch Compression Tights
Envy Her is another one of our favourites. This local shapewear and lingerie brand started out by a mum out of her home in Pasir Ris. The brand creates comfortable lingerie, with no compromise on style. Each piece, whether it’s shapewear or lingerie, is carefully designed, hand-picked and crafted with a lot of attention to details.
Acupofdee: Norah (La Petit Flare Squares)
Acupofdee is your one-stop online shop for beautiful printed shawls or hijabs. Each piece is made with lush embossed silks, these lightweight material is perfect for the Singapore weather, and adds a touch of classic glam, elevating your look.
2. Buy takeaway food home
One of the best things about Singaporeans, is our shared love for food. Nothing draws and binds us together as quickly as good food, and we’ve been blessed with flavours, spices and aromas that could have only happened from our culturally diverse country. However, our F&B scene needs us. There’s a movement going around on social media called #savefnbsg and it highlights the unfortunate future of F&B establishments who are under a lot of pressure.
With dine-ins no longer an option, businesses are focusing on offering delivery and takeaway services. There are Facebook groups such as Hawkers United – Dabao 2020 to help F&B businesses create buzz and awareness.
If you’re able to, we’d highly recommend calling in advance to place an order, and heading down to pick up your food. Calling ahead helps to minimise your time outside, as well as ensure crowd control. While delivery is definitely an option, most third-party apps charge the restaurants commission, resulting in pricer meals.
3. Give a shout out on social media
While you’re spending time at home, and taking a break from work, or waiting for your #WFH meal to arrive, why not use this time to spread the love and support to local businesses by leaving a review on their online platforms.
You could post something on your Instagram about your favourite clothing store, leave a positive review on Facebook for your local café, or even re-post a story or post from a local business onto your own account to help raise awareness. Give a shout out to local businesses who are working hard during this period and show your support. It’s a small gesture, but those on the receiving end would appreciate the encouragement and it can have a huge impact.
Don’t forget to follow us on our social media channels (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Tik Tok), where we give a shout out to merchants who are open during these times and are running promotions with them. Plus, when using Atome to pay, you can split the bill into three manageable interest-free instalment plans for yourself, while we’ll cover the full cost to the merchant right there (Win-win!)
4. Donate to local causes
As we all stay home and think about our plans to adapt our working styles and make changes to our routine, come up with plans to keep busy, it’s not a privilege that everyone has. There are groups of people who are deeply impacted by the situation – whether they’re no longer employed, cannot afford to get a computer for home based learning, or struggling to make ends meet. And while our government has given us a cash payout, it’s touching to read that people are making donations to communities that need the money more than us. If you’re living comfortably, and can afford to, please do help. Even if you’re unable to, give a shout out on social media to spread awareness.
Now more than ever, we have to come together to support those who are most vulnerable. Let’s step up and do our part, here are some of the many organisations that can use your help. The Courage Fund – launched in 2003 to support SARS victims and healthcare workers, the fund is now used to provide relief and support to Covid-19 patients and healthcare workers, as well as community members.
This period has shed some light about the treatment of migrant workers in Singapore. Transient Workers Count Too (TWC2) is a non-profit dedicated to improving conditions for low-wage migrant workers. The Humanitarian Organisation for Migration Economics (HOME) is another great organisation to support. With the unpredictability of the situation, migrant workers may not have adequate access to financial and medical aid.
SGUnited is a centralised platform set up by Social and Family Development Minister Desmond Lee, to coordinate the various relief efforts towards the underprivileged, vulnerable and healthcare workers. It acts as a one-stop platform, and brings together various community-led Covid-19 responses. You can find various ways to help such as through volunteering, donating, supporting and sharing, and based on your preference, you will then be directed to the appropriate organisation.
Love it. Own it. Pay later.
