At just 12 years old, Chng Rui Jie from Singapore has made a significant impact through her charity work. Beginning her journey at the age of nine, Rui Jie started organizing online fundraisers to help primary school pupils who might face hunger due to financial difficulties at home. This initiative was sparked by her personal experience of going hungry during a school recess. Her empathy and determination led her to raise over S$1.2 million (RM4.14 million) for various charities since 2020.
Making a Mark in Fundraising
Rui Jie’s first fundraising campaign in 2020 generated more than S$56,000 for The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund (STSPMF) in just six months. To date, she has raised S$332,000 for the STSPMF and has become their youngest fundraiser. Despite the challenges of her Primary School Leaving Examinations, Rui Jie successfully raised S$285,717 in donations this year. Her efforts extend beyond STSPMF to other organizations, including the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) and Assisi Hospice, among others.
A Family’s Support and Inspiration
Rui Jie’s philanthropic journey was encouraged by her father, Anthony Chng, who advised her to raise funds for causes close to her heart instead of just donating her pocket money. As the director of the enterprise division at Children-At-Risk Empowerment Association, Anthony Chng’s own involvement in charity likely influenced Rui Jie. Since her debut in fundraising, Rui Jie has motivated more people to contribute to society, sharing her experiences at events like Fundraising Online 2022 organized by the Resource Alliance.
Expanding Her Impact
Driven by a desire to play a protective and nurturing role akin to an elder sister, Rui Jie has explored various ways to contribute, including volunteering for community initiatives. She has participated in activities like packing and distributing items to needy residents and assisting with festive decorations and food distribution at community fridges. Rui Jie emphasizes that making a difference doesn’t always require grand gestures; sometimes, volunteering time during weekends or holidays can be equally impactful.
Rui Jie’s story is a testament to the power of young individuals in making a substantial difference in their communities, demonstrating that age is no barrier to effecting positive change.
