37% jump in donations to $8.5m for SG Gives in 2012 despite weaker economic growth

Singaporeans continued to give generously to charity despite the country's slower economic growth, going by the jump in donations to Singapore's largest donation portal, SG Gives. 

SG Gives said it had a 37-per cent increase in total donations last year, with almost $400,000 raised on the last day of the year.

The amount raised hit $8.5 million, compared with $6.2 million in 2011. 

December was still the top giving month. 

Donors gave $3.2 million in December last year, compared with the $2.3 million in the same month in 2011. 

Some charities received as much as 10 times more donations last year, compared with the previous year. 

CEO of the National Volunteer & Philanthropy Centre, Mr Laurence Lien, said giving typically peaks towards the end of the year. 

Most people get into the festive mood while charities increase their marketing and publicity efforts to promote their causes and raise funds.

He urged charities to spread out their efforts throughout the year so that their cause can be more widely promoted with consistent support all year round. 

SG Gives has raised close to $19 million for charities since it started in February 2010.