Over S$70,000 raised by ItsRainingRaincoats for migrant workers in Tanjong Katong sinkhole rescue

A day after local charity ItsRainingRaincoats started a fundraiser campaign for the migrant workers who rescued a woman from the Tanjong Katong sinkhole, the target of S$70,000 has been reached.

According to the campaign website, the target was exceeded: S$72,241 was raised by a total of 1,639 donors.

The migrant worker welfare charity made the announcement on Facebook on Jul. 30.

They said that, excluding the fundraiser platform costs, all of the funds raised will be divided between the workers involved in the rescue, and transferred in full to their bank accounts.

The fundraiser was created as a way to thank the workers and recognise their contribution.

ItsRainingRaincoats' founder Dipa Swaminathan told Mothership that they had been "overwhelmed by requests" from the members of the public who wanted to thank the workers for their bravery.

Response was strong from the start of the campaign, which raised S$24,000 within the first 24 hours.

The charity will also arrange to host a public meet and greet with the workers.

Background

On Jul. 26, after a car plunged into a large sinkhole that opened up on Tanjong Katong Road South, a group of nearby construction workers rushed over and got the driver out with a rope.

Pitchai Udaiyappan Subbiah, a site foreman, shared that the rescue took about two to three minutes.

As videos surfaced online, netizens have praised the bravery and quick action of these workers.

Seven workers who were involved were previously recognised with an "MOM Appreciation Coin" each, presented by Minister of State for Manpower Dinesh Vasu Dash on Jul. 28.

The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) has also said they will reach out to the workers to commend them for their efforts.

Top images by Mothership and from ItsRainingRaincoat's fundraiser campaign website