Giving with a Purpose!

Hello,

In our lifetime, we would have definitely receive or gift a present during special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries and Christmas! 

Often, we are willing to spend more on presents for our loved ones and best friends! 

In 2013, A UOB poll has shown that Singaporeans were willing to spend up to an average of $893 on Christmas presents!(Mok, 2014)

I agree with the author of article "Social Enterprise shopping a great idea for last minute Christmas Gift", we can triple our "gift- giving" impact by purchasing gift items from social enterprises! 

While spreading the joy to our loved ones, we can also support the various social causes championed by the social enterprises.

I came up with three ideas while reading the article. 

My first idea is to set up a Christmas market/ pop-up store/ website. 

With the help of SE Association, social enterprises can work together to organize Christmas markets or a pop up store which can be modeled after Public Garden, The Local People or Naiise! 

The public purchases would be channeled directly to the participating social enterprises. Items available for purchase could include handicrafts made by SEs, various charities and non-profit organizations (NPOs), restaurant/cafe vouchers, gift vouchers/ cards etc.  I have been to a Christmas Market organized by Public Garden and the response was quite good!  

The second idea is to collaborate with famous local cafes or blog shops as part of their Christmas promotions.  For example, XX  Company , a local social enterprise can work with Fluff Bakery. With every box of special cupcakes sold, $2 will go to XX Company.

My last idea is similar to the second idea but it is a collaboration with local charities or NPOs for Christmas fundraising events! A portion of  the SE's Christmas sales will be donated to a NPO.  

Do let me know your thoughts about my ideas! :D

Cheers, 

Angel:)

References

Luymes, G. (2014). Social enterprise shopping a great idea for last-minute Christmas gifts.www.theprovince.com. Retrieved 28 December 2014, from http://www.theprovince.com/health/Social+enterprise+shopping+great+idea+last+minute+Christmas+gifts/10670766/story.html

Mok, F. (2014). Upbeat Singapore shoppers spending more this Christmas: Poll. Straitstimes.com. Retrieved 28 December 2014, from http://www.straitstimes.com/the-big-story/st-christmas-2013/story/upbeat-singapore-shoppers-spending-more-christmas-poll-2013121

SE Feature 2: Soon Huat Bak Kut Teh

Hello!

This week, I am doing a feature on Soon Huat Bak Kut Teh.

Before I came across the Straits Times article; "Social enterprise Soon Huat expands to Indonesia", 
I didn't know that Soon Huat Bak Kut Teh was a social enterprise!

Taken from: https://www.facebook.com/soonhuatbakkutteh/photos/pcb.644558592332965/644558335666324/?type=1&theater

It has achieved much success as they planned to expand their operations into Indonesia! Singapore's Pride!


Why is Soon Huat successful?

I feel that the success attributes of Soon Huat Bak Kut Teh are great tasting food and strong social mission.

I agree with Mr Jabez Tan, the founder of Soon Huat Bak Kut Teh that a social enterprise needs to do well as a business first to become successful.  In the Food and Beverage Industry, a restaurant can only be successful if the food served is good and makes their customers come back to taste it again.

Quoted from Wheretoeat.com.sg, Soon Huat's Bak Kut Teh uses Argentinian Pork instead of traditional pork ribs for a less strong odour and tender meat. The broth is very unique as it successfully combines both Singaporean and Malaysian styles of Bak Kut Teh.

On Soon Huat's Facebook page, it has received 6,649 likes and a rating of 4.3 stars out of 5 stars,

The restaurant was also featured by many bloggers, such as ieatishootipost, misstamchiak, JohorKaki and others.

Soon Huat has a strong social mission which is to provide employment opportunities to ex-convicts.

Looking at the pictures posted by the food bloggers, I am so tempted to visit Soon Huat one day to try their Bak Kut Teh!


1. Soon Huat Bak Kut Teh

 Taken from http://johorkaki.blogspot.sg/2014/08/soon-huat-bak-kut-teh-at-macpherson.html

2. Braised Tow Ki

 Taken from http://johorkaki.blogspot.sg/2014/08/soon-huat-bak-kut-teh-at-macpherson.html


3. Dried Bak Kut Teh

 Taken from: http://www.misstamchiak.com/soon-huat-bak-kut-teh-simpang-bedok/

4. Braised Pig Trotters

 Taken from: http://www.misstamchiak.com/soon-huat-bak-kut-teh-simpang-bedok/


If possible, do support them as well!

Soon Huat Bak Kut Teh (順發肉骨茶)
Bedok Shopping Complex (Simpang Bedok), 302 Bedok Road
Tel: 6273 3338
Opening Hours: 11am – 930pm daily

Soon Huat Bak Kut Teh 順發肉骨茶 (MacPherson branch)
548, MacPherson Road, Singapore
11:00am to 10:00pm
Tel: 67430012

Angel:)