OUR SPECIALITY:

Freshly baked goods, such as cakes and bread, and western cuisine served by the intellectually challenged, who are professionally trained by vocational teachers and practicing chefs.

THE INNOVATION:

The Children Are Us Foundation (CAUF) provides intellectually challenged young people of age 16 and above with training in skills that are practical in daily life and for work so that they might better integrate into society. At CAUF’s workshops, which are purposefully situated in busy areas of the city where students are visible to the public to dispel public ignorance and discrimination, they learn skills from baking pastries for sale to growing their own vegetables.

Children Are Us also operates cafes, bakeries restaurants in Taipei, Kaohsiung and Hsinchu where some of their trainees are employed. Though workers might not be as efficient, through time and training, they perform their tasks adequately and with enthusiasm. To aid the learning process, tasks are simplified into simple steps where students are assigned to according to their abilities. And through employment, the young ones gain greater confidence and fulfillment in life.

BRIEF BACKGROUND:

CAUF chairman Su Kuo-chen and wife Hsiao Shu-Chen inspired by the sheltered workshops and communities they saw in Japan, brought the idea back home to Taiwan. Impressed by the level of service and quality of the products there, Hsiao, herself a parent of a child with cerebral palsy, was encouraged that with proper planning, training and hard work, her child might too be capable of holding a good job.

With the help of skill training and recipes from the Le Petit Prince Bakery, CAUF opened its first social enterprise, the Children Are Us bakery in Kaohsiung in 1997. It has since grown to operate five bakeries and restaurants in Kaohsiung, Taipei and Hsinchu. As of the year 2000, 51 percent of its funding from its business operations, 25 percent from private donations, 22 percent from the government, and 2 percent from fundraising events or bank interest.

The non-profit organisation, which was founded in 1995, hopes to change the general perception of the intellectually challenged as well as create job opportunities through training them to work in their social enterprises. Children Are Us, too, provides assistance to them in leading an independent life as much as possible and long-term care for them when their parents pass on.

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OUR SPECIALTY:

Over 300 types of Fair Trade products, including foodstuffs like organic coffee, tea and chocolate powder, and hand-made products such as notebooks, bags and greeting cards.

THE INNOVATION:

Fair Circle provides Fair Trade products as an alternative and responsible choice of consumerism for consumers through their brick-and-mortar shop in Kowloon in Hong Kong, their online shop, consignments and other promotional outlets.

Through their parent company, the Hong Kong Fair Trade Power (HKFTP), the social enterprise assists producers in rural China to set up production systems of internationally recognized Fair Trade standards. After which, they export and market their products in the cities of Hong Kong, Beijing, Shenzhen and Guangzhou. This way labour and farmers are protected from greedy middlemen in transactions and are ensured fair rewards and a sustainable means of livelihood. Also, by organising and conducting talks and public education, they hope to raise awareness of the concept of Fair Trade and encourage responsible consumerism.

BRIEF BACKGROUND:

Fair Circle is the product arm of HKFTP, which was set up in December 2005 to promote Fair Trade as a form of responsible consumerism to consumers through use of their products and educational programmes. The HKFTP works with farm co-operatives in the provinces of Shanxi and Guizhou as well as organic farms in Vietnam and India to set and maintain internationally recognised Fair Trade standards.

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Fine French and Italian fare with elaborate dishes such as Roasted Beef Rib in Strawberry & Papaya Sauce served with baked sweet potato and grilled white eggplant, zucchini and cherry tomato, and La vie en Rose, a warm chocolate lava cake with dragonfruit and strawberry served on the side.

THE INNOVATION:

Gingko House is a restaurant that exists with the mission to offer employment opportunities for the elderly, whom with their rich life experience and patience, have the potential to offer an unique dining experience – one that encourages slow dining and relationships between the server and the customers.

Many senior citizens, especially upon retirement, face the issue of boredom and a sudden lack of a sense of purpose in their lives. A significant number of them are professionals who have held mid-level management jobs and who are uncomfortable with living off welfare or simply being idle, especially in their golden years. Others may be financially strapped and in need of a less physically burdensome job. Hence, Gingko House – a win-win solution – is set up specifically to address these issues by employing the senior citizens and at the same time, provide an unique dining experience for the diners.

BRIEF BACKGROUND:

Gingko House was set up by former social workers Roger Li and Elite Kwok, who saw a lack in quality care for the elderly in 1998. The funding for Gingko House comes from its parent company, Everbright Groups Limited, an enterprise which provides social services for the elderly including a home and a rehabilitation centre. Since Gingko House was set up in 2006, it has bagged several awards such as the Brand with a Conscience Grand Award 2008, the 2008 Hong Kong Awards for Industries and The HSBC Living Business Award 2007 (Diamond Award winner). Gingko House is also in the midst of launching their third restaurant in Mongkok that will serve Chinese food instead of the typical Western fare.

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OUR SPECIALTY:

One of Gift and Take’s (GAT) best sellers is its patchwork animal soft toys. They come as magnets, keychains, paperweights and cuddly soft toys. GAT also designs and customises gifts for corporate events. These high quality handicrafts and soft toys are made by skilful artisans who have been marginalised, ranging from an intricate silk shawl hand-woven by disadvantaged groups in Cambodia to hand-drawn memorabilia by youths with special needs.

THE INNOVATION:

GAT believes in creating a source of livelihood for the disadvantaged through the sale of handicrafts and acts as a channel for buyers to purchase the products. Abroad, GAT has a rigorous social audit process to ensure that beneficiaries are not ‘sweat shops’ or unfairly treated; profits are also ploughed back in skills training and equipment such as sewing machines. Locally, GAT has job attachment programmes created specially for youths with special needs who cannot easily fit into society.

“We think it’s important for our interns to gain confidence and skills and be able to integrate into the workforce when they are ready,” says one of GAT’s partners who is also a social worker and counsellor. She pays special attention to develop positive work attitudes and skills in interns so that they may rise above personal challenges and become independent. In GAT’s words: “To teach them to fish, instead of giving them the fish. It’s the dignity that we hope to help them regain.”

BRIEF BACKGROUND:

Gift And Take Pte Ltd was set up by Lance Ng in August 2006. The social enterprise works with several marginalised or disadvantaged individuals and communities to produce and sell handmade gifts. GAT’s products are well-received locally and can be found at various landmarks and locations in Singapore such as the PaTH Market at VivoCity, the Singapore Flyer gift Shop, the Singapore Art Museum and most other museums.

Partners and recipients come from Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam and Singapore. They include the intellectually and physically challenged, disadvantaged women, landmine victims, the impoverished and individuals with special needs.

Now, by building on their rich lessons, GAT plans to share their experience as a social enterprise with modules taught through workshops and seminars. Companies, institutions, schools and other organisations can contact GAT to invite them to give talks on running social enterprises as part of their enrichment programmes or to showcase its meaningful products.

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OUR SPECIALTY:

“Eat as you wish, give as you feel” South Indian vegetarian cuisine that is definitely value for money as customers decide for themselves how much they will pay.

THE INNOVATION:

Annalakshmi works on an interesting philosophy of “Athithi Dhevo Bhava”, which means “the guest is God”. The core of the South Indian vegetarian restaurant’s existence is to serve rather than to earn. Most staff are a group of like-minded volunteers who dedicate their time to serving because they seek joy in the underlying philosophy of serving as an act of giving and loving. The cooks are usually housewives, and service staff comprises of doctors, teachers, clerks and other professions.

Besides a dedicated staff, the food items at Annalakshmi are reflective of its South Indian origins and are served against an elaborately grand backdrop of Indian statues and artwork. Hence, with quality food, ambience and service, the restaurant is confident of surviving with its unique concept of “pay as you wish”.

Besides serving as a venue for TFA members to serve the community, Annalakshmi helps sustain the activities of TFA financially. Proceeds from Annalakshmi goes to the charitable and cultural activities of the Temple of Fine Arts, such as free medical treatment to the urban poor and “pay as you wish” dance classes.

BRIEF BACKGROUND:

Vegetarian restaurant Annalakshmi (Singapore) was set up at Excelsior Hotel in 1986 and is the culinary arts section of the Temple of Fine Arts (TFA). TFA is a community-based charitable organisation dedicated to spreading arts, music and dance in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Perth and Chennai. Annalakshmi has since grown in size and is now based in Chinatown Point in Chinatown. The restaurant also provides packed lunch and catering services.

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OUR SPECIALTY:

Massage therapy including home visits, hairstyling and tailoring services. Price varies according to requests.

THE INNOVATION:

At SENSE, women from low income families can find jobs with flexible working hours or even work from home. They are professionally trained before employment and are encouraged to use the experience as a springboard for their own freelance work. Beneficiaries are hence able to tend to their family while sustaining themselves financially.

BRIEF BACKGROUND:

SENSE is set up in 2003 by Mendaki, a community self-help group, to enhance the employability of the Malay and/or Muslim workforce. The group provided the seed funding of $50,000 for each of the three social enterprises.

Besides providing them with suitable employment, Mendaki also organises support activities like Suri Sparkle in celebration of working mothers on Mother’s Day. Beneficiaries are entertained with performances and pampered with vouchers and free treatments for manicures, pedicures, massage, hairstyling, hair wash and make-overs.

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OUR SPECIALITY

SOuLe is an ordinary but affordable pair of white canvas shoes for the giver and receiver at $29.90. Watch this space for more designs.

THE INNOVATION

“Buy one, get one free!” Does that sound familiar to you? The concept of Selfless Shoes works in a similar way only this time, it’s “buy one, give one free”. For every pair of Selfless Shoes, a less fortunate child gets saved from sole up – relieved from walking around barefooted for miles to get water or daily essentials.

In this twist of innovation, Selfless Shoes adapts Singaporean Kiasuism to better the world. By buying a pair of shoes which you will probably need for school at an ordinary value, another pair will be given to someone who will value them so much more.

By setting up a social enterprise instead of organizing fundraisers, Selfless Shoe hopes to ensure a constant stream of income to buy shoes for the poor, and by manufacturing the shoes on their own, it ensures the quality of its shoes too.

BRIEF BACKGROUND

Selfless Shoes started as a casual idea discussed between three good friends, Justine, John and Jingying, all of whom are students from Ngee Ann Polytechnic. On a mission trip to China, they saw for themselves the plight of the soleless children and decided to do something about it.

“It’s not like in Singapore where our flooring is still considered okay. They are in the mountains, it is very dangerous when they get cuts. Infections from the dirt and grime might lead to more severe diseases or even death,” said Justine, who has made a number of trips down to China.

Together, they then joined the Mayor’s Imagine Social Entrepreneurship (MISE) competition and won second place. Most importantly, a sizable seed funding of $25,000 was won and enable them to turn their business idea into reality. Their sole beneficiary are so far needy students from the We Love Learning (WELL) nurture program, set up by the Community Development Councils (CDC) – one of the few criteria for the funding.

For now, the three students are taking a small step forward laying their foundations for the social enterprise – seeking out manufacturers for their shoes, collecting designs from friends and accepting online pre-orders for the shoes – and resisting the temptation to get carried away with all the big ideas they have in mind.

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OUR SPECIALTY:
Food at economical prices. Vegetarian mixed rice and noodles go at as low as $2. On top of that, there is a free flow of tonic soups. The popular blueberry cheese tart goes at $1.50 too.
THE INNOVATION:
Providing employment for mild intellectually disabled youths. Employment earns them useful skills like baking, customer service, basic kitchen help and housekeeping as well as help them gain social acceptance from the public and self confidence in themselves. Lastly, employment also allows them to be financially independent.
BRIEF BACKGROUND:
The Happy Arts Enterprise Ltd was set up in 2004 by Metta Welfare Association, a Buddhist organisation dedicated to the promotion of humanitarian causes, to provide vocational training in a commercial setting for youths aged 19 to 21 with mild intellectual disability.

Other than the cafe, catering services is also provided. Happy Arts Deli serves a wide variety of vegetarian dishes, pastries and cakes including orders for birthdays. Lunch vouchers are available for purchase and the deli can be booked for all kinds of functions.

“Every trip to Happy Arts is a great  experience. The trainees are always very helpful and friendly.”
- by Ms Tan Eng Chun, a regular patron of Happy Arts Deli.

Contact details:

Tel: 6580 4611 / 65804634
Fax: 6580 4693
Email: germaine@metta.org.sg

Address:

Metta Building Level 1
No. 32 Simei St 1
Singapore (529950)
Opening hours: 7 am to 9 am

For more information:

http://www.metta.org.sg/deli.htm

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OUR SPECIALTY

‘Xin’ is an organic, healthy choice of candy with no artificial colouring or flavouring. Each of the heart-shaped candy also comes in an environmentally friendly packaging. Each pack of 18 sells for sgd$3 and an one kilogram pack costs SGD $48. Bulk orders are welcomed.

THE INNOVATION

‘Xin’ was created as a means to provide work opportunities for socially disadvantaged people as well as to bring a healthier choice of candy to the market.

The production of the candy such as packing and selling the sweets provides work opportunities for the socially disadvantaged such as single mothers and the physically disabled. The ‘Xin’ team works with special needs groups such as the Simei Care Centre, to pack ‘Xin’ candies. Profits are invested back to the social enterprise and/or used for activities and financial funding.

Since lack of work opportunities is the one greatest challenge posed for the socially disadvantaged, purchasing the candy is one way to help them through empowering them economically rather than giving one-off donations. The ‘Xin’ team also hopes to persuade elderly who sell packs of tissue paper in hawker centres to sell the candy too. This way, it earns the elderly an income, helps the disadvantaged and saves the environment all at the same time.

BRIEF BACKGROUND

Ground Up Initiative is a group of young people who want to make a difference to the world they live it. They started out as a flood relief team to Malaysia and never stopped since then. Other than producing Xin candy, the group has since focused on a weekly farming activity aptly named Balik Kampung at Kranji to reconnect youths to earth – understand the value and importance of preserving our environment – through working on it. The latest addition to the group’s activities, in April 2009, is the Sustainable Urban Farms (SURF), an initiative to bring educate and empower city dwellers to for community gardens starting at Bottle Tree Park.

Action

Find out more about how you can get involved in Ground Up Initiative’s Balik Kampung and SURF programmes.

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