Former actress/host Diana Ser is putting her influence to good use.
While many have sympathised with the plight of those affected by Covid-19, 48-year-old Ser has gone a step further to start the #ShowWeCareSG campaign.
The charity campaign, which will run from Apr. 15 - May 14, 2020, aims to raise S$250,000 for vulnerable groups in the community.
Growing up underprivileged
Speaking to Mothership, Ser explained that the pivotal moment in making the campaign happen was seeing empty cabs at taxi stands.
"Just a few months ago, an empty cab at a taxi stand would be inconceivable. Now, they are a common sight. This just means that families are affected and slowly, people will get demoralised. Who wouldn't be if you are really trying but you can't find work?"
Growing up in an underprivileged family, Ser understands the feeling of helplessness, and the struggle of trying to make ends meet.
To look after her three children, Ser's mother would bring her work home.
As the eldest, Ser chopped potatoes for her mother to make curry puffs to sell. During Chinese New Year, they would also make and sell traditional love letters for a living.
Ser once witnessed her mother crying, as the older woman did not know how to feed three children with S$10 in her purse.
"I wished the week was shorter. Maybe it made me stronger, but I don't wish it on any child ..."
New agreement on household contributions
Since the onslaught of Covid-19, Ser has seen an 80 per cent drop in her hosting income.
Nonetheless, she is grateful to be able to continue doing what she loves, especially in the current economic climate (note: news is an essential service).
"I am lucky to be able to continue with some TV work, especially since it is something I love — telling stories. I have to stop shopping, so I keep repeating my clothes on TV LOL."
Thankfully, as Ser told Lianhe Wanbao, her husband James Lye still has a job, and the family retains the means to help others.
According to Ser, her three children, who are 14, 12, and nine years old, do not feel the tangible impact of her income loss, as they still have food on the table.
Lye has also been understanding, she added, and they have made some adjustments to "who's paying for what" in the household.
Photo via Diana Ser's Instagram
Photo via Diana Ser's Instagram
But Ser feels that the home-based learning (HBL) curriculum has made her children take things a little too easy.
"As a working mom, I am forced to leave my kids to be more independent. I have one P6 this year, so I wish I had more time to revise with her. As the HBL progresses, there is a bit more routine, but they are also getting more slack, like it is a small holiday."
Help from celebrity friends
Ser calls the campaign a "leap of faith", as there are a number of similar events fighting for donation dollars.
For #ShowWeCareSG, proceeds will go to the newly-launched Invictus Fund, set up by the National Council of Social Service (NCSS).
Through ComChest, resources will be channeled to agencies serving vulnerable groups in the community, such as families in need, children with special needs, youth-at-risk, and persons with mental health conditions or disabilities.
Ser, along with her friend, a managing director of a local PR firm, has rallied more than 80 celebrities and social media influencers to champion the cause.
Those who have posted their support online include Fann Wong, Christopher Lee, Yeo Yann Yann, Michelle Chia, Cynthia Koh, Andie Chen, and Eunice Olsen, just to name a few.
Local singers Stefanie Sun, Kit Chan, Tanya Chua have also expressed their support.
In an Instagram post on Apr. 15, Ser and Lye announced that they have donated their Solidarity payout to the campaign, as they felt that there are people who needed it more.
She told Mothership,
"I remember how upset I was about the whole situation — when I see pics on social media of people flouting rules. I asked myself, what is the point of getting upset? Might as well channel my energy towards a worthier cause."
Top image via Diana Ser's Instagram