Fundraiser for Zakir

Dear all,

We are friends of Zakir who are initiating this fundraising drive for him. Those of us who have had the privilege of knowing him knows how much he has done for Singapore. We have come to this amount (SGD $30,000) after discussions about how much he might need in the future to support himself and his family moving forward. He is currently supporting his family of seven which includes ageing parents and school going children. 100% of funds raised will be channeled to Zakir and his family, to be used according to their own discretion and needs. As the GoGet Funding platform charges a 6.9% service charge (we have been rejected by other local fundraising platforms for various reasons) we have added in 6.9% to the total amount of $30,000, which comes up to $32,070).

If you would like to hear from Zakir's own voice, you can refer to the two statements he has posted here:

Initial statement: https://www.facebook.com/100006751843005/posts/pfbid02x3WfCR89WdePgbcWtsPJSo2SC1jLk1SmYB3QmSXZ5L4bKdTkcdcEefPCmu9iXQQBl/?app=fbl

Response to MOM statement: https://www.facebook.com/100006751843005/posts/pfbid02hotDCFKy3637NuKbW66FTPpmus8kkhjrQwmF9w2draZT3QXMn84UYxgYrLdSMrmWl/?app=fbl

For those who would like to know more about the case, you can refer to the press coverage here:

https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/manpower-ministry-migrant-worker-zakir-hossain-work-permit-not-renewed-2763331

https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/migrant-worker-advocate-who-did-not-get-work-pass-renewed-made-misleading-false-public-posts-mom

While this is a small amount compared to all that he has contributed to Singapore for the past 19 years, we hope that this amount will be able to tide him and his family over while he figures out the next step in his journey. Thank you Zakir for all that you have done for both the local and migrant community.

Clarifications:

1. Ever since Zakir returned home, he has been struggling with his mental and physical health. This is both due to the effects of long Covid and the immense stress he went through in June taking a toll on him now. The 30k goal is based on a calculation of 1k worth of expenses for a family of 7 each month, so that Zakir has ample time to recover from his severe burnout.

2. For any queries, please direct them to [email protected]. Hazirah and Michelle are only helping out with admin and technical issues for this fundraiser.

3. Zakir agreed to the platform fee of 6.9% as we were rejected by other local fundraising platforms, due to not being an IPC or the beneficiary not being in Singapore at the time of the fundraising. Also, having a campaign page that is licensed and legalised has gained more traction than internal/informal fundraising efforts.