In this instalment of free and affordable date ideas, we search out ways to make a real difference in the community while creating shared memories and strengthening the bond with your significant other.
Step up for good causes
If you both love running, how about joining one of the many charity walks or runs in Singapore together? There are many such events taking place throughout the year and, for many of them, your registration fee goes towards specific causes, so you can choose to support the ones that resonate with you.
Some upcoming charity walkathons include Stepping Out for Stroke (19 October) that empowers stroke survivors and caregivers, and Pink Ribbon Walk (26 October) to help raise funds for the Breast Cancer Foundation. Registration fees range from $25 to $35 per person.
In between, continue working out together with an affordable membership at EnergyOne gyms in SAFRA clubhouses islandwide. Fees start at $45/ month for new joiners and $35/month for dependants. More info at safra.sg/energyone-gym/Gym-membership/oct-dec-sale!-new-sign-ups-(main)
Watch films that support the community
You’re bumping shoulders in the darkness while sharing a bucket of popcorn – watching movies together can indeed be a romantic date idea. But what if you could choose films that not only entertain but also contribute to a meaningful cause? Supporting community-focused films can be a rewarding experience in more ways than one.
For example, the upcoming Mental Health Film Festival (7-10 November) promotes understanding of mental health issues.
Separately, SAFRA members also enjoy exclusive rates on movie tickets and combo sets at Shaw Theatres; more info at safra.sg/promotions/shaw-theatres
Boost literacy through storytelling
Do you have an affinity with children and enjoy reading? Telling stories to children while on a date can be a heartwarming and enriching experience. Imagine sharing magical stories with young minds while igniting imaginations and creativity. Join various volunteer-led storytelling programmes in English, Chinese, Malay and Tamil across our public libraries.
If you can commit to weekly sessions, then consider supporting the kidsREAD programme in schools, clubs and low-income homes. Or become a befriender at New Life Stories, where you can engage children with incarcerated parents through storytelling and crafts. Together, you can make a worthwhile impact on the next generation on many levels.
Foster inclusion via sports
Or perhaps you’re a sporty couple who sweats it out together regularly. Why not extend your sportsmanship to differently-abled individuals? Sign up as a Sports Buddy with SportsCares’ Play-Ability programme and help persons with disabilities and special needs improve their physical and mental health through sports from badminton to soundball.
Another avenue where your love for sports can benefit others is with Special Olympics Singapore. The first Special Olympics World Summer Games were held in 1968 for athletes with intellectual disabilities. With the next one in March 2025 in Turin, Italy, our special athletes are ramping up their training, and swimming volunteers are needed!
Improve community spaces and living conditions
We all have a responsibility to our environment, but saying it isn’t enough. To make your next date extra impactful, team up to clean up your neighbourhood, parks or beaches. You can meet up with the Singapore chapter of Trash Hero or simply borrow litter-picking tools from CleanPod and start picking up trash in your community.
Here are more green movement groups you can join to help save our environment.
If you get great satisfaction from Marie Kondo-ing your house, then extend a helping hand to vulnerable homes whose residents may face financial, physical or mental challenges. Join Habitat for Humanity Singapore’s Project HomeWorks to help clean and paint rental flats. After decluttering, Helping Joy volunteers also perform monthly maintenance visits.
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