To say that the COVID-19 pandemic has changed everyone’s lives is an understatement. Industries, such as Singapore’s art scene, have changed irrevocably while e-commerce has soared to a new high. While everyone was stuck at home during the circuit breaker, inspirational youths like the people behind Fatimar & Co are stepping up virtually to make our community a better place to live in.
Fatimar & Co is an online non-profit charity organisation operating on Instagram. Managed by Psychology graduate Nadia Sulyman Mar’ie, 24, and kindergarten teacher Sonia Asyira Arman, 21, the organisation works to raise funds for the needy by selling donated clothes online.
“We noticed that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there’s a rise in online shopping and online businesses selling their products on (Instagram) live. Not only is it super convenient but it’s also hassle free for the shoppers.” said Nadia.
Their goal is to distribute the funds raised to the needy.
Nadia said, “We try to attend to urgent fundraising campaigns if there are any, then we would pick out a few families in need in Singapore. If there is a need, we will also extend the help to families overseas like in Tanjung Pinang, Indonesia.”
Fatimar & Co is a very young organisation as it was only started during Ramadhan (Islamic holy month) last year. Both Sonia and Nadia wanted to give back to the community during the trying times.
They managed to raise $1,000 with the help of supporters and donors during their recent flea market. These funds were given out to three struggling individuals in Singapore and were also donated as Wakaf (Islamic charity).
“We’re truly grateful for the love and support others have given to Fatimar & Co. Based on our latest project, we received more than enough clothes to donate and everything was sold out,” mentioned Sonia.
As a young organisation, Nadia and Sonia are learning about what Fatimar & Co can do and are looking forward to a brighter future.
“In upcoming opportunities, we’d love to be more hands-on in gaining funds! For instance, through volunteer work,” said Nadia.
Fatimar & Co are just setting up the starting line; it is a place to gather the people of Singapore to make a greater change to our society in a march towards a more inclusive society.
When asked what they hope to achieve out of this initiative, the two young women said, “To continue learning and growing, in hope to help even more people in Singapore and around the world in every possible way we can!”
By Hafizah Ayni Binte Hazzu Mohamed, Seah HuiLan & Mustika Amira
