Mrs Eunice Yeo grew up with little. Therefore, she learnt early on to find joy in creating rather than owning. Now as a mother of two, she is determined to ensure that children from complex or challenging backgrounds are given the same opportunities she once lacked. A recipient of the Friend of Singapore Red Cross Award, the founder of Peace of Art and Sustainable Markets is being recognised for her natural ability to combine creativity with social impact. 

To the untrained eye, this may be hard to imagine. That, somewhere in our polished Garden City, hidden behind rows of manicured boutiques and shards of shiny skyscrapers, lie crumbs of rental flats. Poverty in Singapore is often tucked away, neatly folded in on the edges of suburbs. Most go about their day not noticing, their eyes locked onto their mobile devices — oblivious to the welfare centres and soup kitchens dotting their neighbourhood. 

But Mrs Eunice Yeo noticed. 

“Growing up, I remember counting cents for a meal. That upbringing instilled resourcefulness and empathy. Now, as a parent, I see my children growing up in a very different world, with privileges I never had. I wanted to step up, not just for them, but for children who still lack access to these basic joys.”

Like a Mustard Seed

So she started fundraising. “In December 2021, I started small: I made Christmas wreaths with 50 friends to raise funds for underprivileged children living in public rental flats. That first effort raised $36,000 and became the seed for Peace of Art SG and Sustainable Markets SG.”

These two platforms were her way of uplifting vulnerable communities and advocating for environmental responsibility. With her creativity and extensive network, she was able to mobilise artists, corporations, and public agencies to come together to drive meaningful change through community-powered campaigns. 

Since December 2021, Mrs Eunice Yeo has been a powerhouse of grassroots fundraising. The main focus of her campaigns are on purpose-driven placemaking, intergenerational giving, and youth empowerment through the arts. Her initiatives, including others like Hues of Hope, Ocean of Hope, and the recent Wings of Art SG60 Campaign have collectively raised over S$1.4 million for the Singapore Red Cross Young Hearts Programme and climate refugee causes. 

“Our movement today unites community, creativity, and sustainability, showing that anyone, at any stage of life, can be a giver and a changemaker. It’s about democratising philanthropy: even the littlest amongst us can make a difference.”

Reviving the Kampung Spirit

“I am deeply honoured to receive the Friend of Singapore Red Cross Award as it affirms that grassroots initiatives, creativity, and the collective heart of a community can truly make a difference in the lives of children who need our support. It motivates me to continue fostering empathy, action, and giving in Singapore.”

Through art and heart, I hope that my initiatives will foster the kampung spirit that enables Singaporeans to unite for a more compassionate and sustainable future. I believe that every person can become a giver. Sometimes, we just need a platform to channel it. Take the first step, even a small one, and watch the ripple effect grow!”