Here are some of the answers to some of the common queries put forward to us. For other queries, please write to intouch@mercyrelief.org.

1. How long has Mercy Relief been established?

   Mercy Relief was established as an independent and non-governmental humanitarian charity in 2003.

2. Who manages Mercy Relief?

   Mercy Relief is governed by a Board of Directors, whose non-executive role is to oversee, advise and enhance the directives of the organisation. An executive team administers organisational policies and operations.

3. Is Mercy Relief affiliated to the Government?

   While Mercy Relief has worked in tandem with governmental agencies during disaster missions, we have maintained the status of an independent and non-governmental organisation.

4. What are Mercy Relief’s focus areas of work?

   Driven by the purpose of advocating a civic life of compassion, care and volunteerism amongst Man, Mercy Relief focuses on providing timely and effective assistance to disaster-stricken locations, as well as embarking on sustainable development initiatives to uplift the lives of impoverished and disadvantaged communities in Asia. For a more detailed description, please go to Emergency Relief and Sustainable Development.

5. Where does Mercy Relief operate?

   Mercy Relief’s geographical mandate is such that it focuses its humanitarian efforts in Asia. Since 2003, we have reached out to 20 countries in the region.

6. Where can I find financial information on Mercy Relief?

   Please go to Financial Information for more information.

7. Are donations made to Mercy Relief tax deductible?

   General donations made to Mercy Relief are tax deductible at 2.5 times the donation amount. Please note that this tax-exemption benefit does not apply to direct donations to overseas humanitarian missions.

8. Does Mercy Relief accept donations in kind?

   Due to space constraints, we do not accept donations in kind currently.

9. Does Mercy Relief get funds from any other source than individuals?

   Yes, our donation sources include corporations with a keen sense of corporate social responsibility.

10. What is the duration of a disaster response mission?

    As each disaster presents its own unique set of circumstantial needs (especially with the occurrence of major disasters), the duration and scale of our operations depend primarily on the fluidity of the situation.

11. How does Mercy Relief identify the programmes and areas to work in?

    Mercy Relief exercises a high level of diligence in research for the development projects it undertakes, to ensure that the premise and location behind each initiative is appropriate to the type and scale of assistance we provide.

12. How can I volunteer with Mercy Relief?

    Please go to Volunteering with Mercy Relief, fill up the Volunteer Signup Form and send it to us. We will be in touch with you as to how you can contribute to the humanitarian cause with Mercy Relief.

13. What can a volunteer expect to achieve with Mercy Relief?

    Any individual who volunteers with Mercy Relief is viewed as an important contributor towards the uplifting of the communities we serve. Be it through assisting in our daily operations, going on volunteer expeditions via our MOVE programme, or participating in our disaster relief missions, the volunteer is an integral part of our commitment to the humanitarian cause.

14. Does a volunteer need prior overseas experience before embarking on expeditions with Mercy Relief?

    No, you do not need prior experience. Please go to MOVE programme for more details.