How small businesses help the SPCA
Corporate giving is not limited to big companies. Some small companies here have built charity-giving into their businesses. MOHAMED FIRDAUS AL-AMIN (aamfir@sph.com.sg) speaks to three which support SPCA
Many customers who use FussPro Services to clean their homes are pet owners.
Most of the pets, FussPro found out, had been adopted from the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).
Being pet lovers themselves, the team at FussPro decided they would do something to support the SPCA.
Last month, they launched a promo code, BEKIND, on their website.
Customers who apply the code when booking cleaning services will have 10 per cent of their bills donated to the SPCA.
FussPro co-founder Ken Yee Liew, 30, told The New Paper that although the amount donated is not going towards the business, he is confident it can still help his brand.
"The amount that we donate can be used for mainstream marketing and advertising, which is a key component for any company wanting to grow its business," he said.
"However, donations to charities like SPCA is also a form of marketing, which can help drive more meaningful business. It makes us happy knowing that we are contributing in our small way to these causes."
The firm also offers complimentary spot and stain treatment as part of its cleaning procedure, as it learnt that accidents can occur despite the pets being trained.
FussPro was founded in 2014 and has six people in its key team and more than 100 cleaners and staff.
ENCOURAGING
Mr Ken said the feedback from his customers has been encouraging, with many urging the firm to continue supporting the SPCA.
His advice for other small businesses looking to give back?
"Look for organisations whose beneficiaries have problems that your business solves," he said.
"Find out how you can help them. If possible, work to be a part of that community and through these communities, you can explore cross-marketing opportunities."
Home Cleanz, founded in 2004, is another cleaning service that donates to the SPCA.
With about 70 cleaning and laundry staff, the business had been looking for ways to give back to society.
In April, it started giving $2 to the SPCA for every spring cleaning service.
The spring cleaning packages range from $300 to $600.
According to Ms Angie Chua, marketing executive at HomeCleanz, the firm does not find it difficult to donate and is willing to help.
Ms Chua said: "There are many charities out there for old folk, families in need and people with disabilities. Just approach them, and they will be happy that you are willing to help."
Kraftcuts, a hair salon in Kallang Bahru, is offering its customers the chance to do good as they get pampered with one of its VIP packages.
Owner Shigekawa Hidekatu, 40, has two dogs he adopted from an animal shelter.
That made him launch the SPCA VIP100 package this month.
The $100 package gives customers $110 worth of credits that they can use on any hair services ranging from haircut to hair colouring, rebonding, perming and treatment.
For every package sold, Kraftcuts donates $5 to the SPCA.
Mr Hidekatu, who works with two stylists, said: "I don't think it is difficult to donate, even as a small business.
"The charities and non-profit groups appreciate every cent being raised, especially during this difficult economic situation."
More than 10 customers have used the package and Mr Hidekatu said it has received positive feedback.
He added: "If everyone chips in a little every day to help a cause they support, it can make Singapore a more socially responsible country."
Giving to the SPCA
The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) does not receive government funding or grants.
So it relies on donations to carry out its welfare work, such as sheltering abused or abandoned animals, having a 24-hour emergency rescue service and advocating for the humane treatment of animals.
According to Ms Selina Sebastian, its deputy executive director, the organisation receives about $2.5 million in donations a year, which is about $100,000 more than what it requires to carry out welfare work.
Ms Sebastian said SPCA takes in more than 200 abandoned, abused, sick, injured or lost animals a month.
"We have approximately 7,100 individual donors and 20 companies that donate regularly to SPCA," she said.
"Most of our donations come from members of the public, and we are grateful for their support, as well as the support from companies, without which, we will not be able to continue our role as animal protectors."
Go to www.spca.org.sg to find out how you can help.
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