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East Coast Beach cleanup, blood donation drives, and other ground-up activities for National Day 2020

Check out these activities if you're looking for a meaningful celebration this year.

Winny Wint Htae

Published: 7 August 2020, 11:46 AM

Even if there are no big celebrations on National Day this year, here’s how you can still commemorate the special day.

Check out these upcoming ground-up initiatives for a memorable National Day 2020 celebration!

1. Socialise with other Singaporeans at the National Ground-Up Party

This year’s National Ground-Up Party features online activities hosted by the people behind local ground-up initiatives. PHOTO CREDIT: INSTAGRAM/GROUNDUPPARTYSG

Last year, a group of Singaporeans hosted a Ground-Up Party to bring people and social initiatives together, and it turned out to be a successful event with over a hundred attendees.

This year, the party returns as a three-day online festival called Better To(Gather). The purpose remains the same: to bring people together and connect them with social initiatives.

Better To(Gather), which will run from Aug 7 to Aug 9, features eight Breakout Activities for attendees to participate. These activities spark conversations between participants on educational topics such as entrepreneurship. In the Human Library segment, speakers will be sharing stories behind their respective initiatives.

For more details about the National Ground Up Party 2020, check out their website.

2. Clean up the beaches with The Great East Coast Clean Up

Make Singapore’s 55th birthday special by helping to clear trash at East Coast Park. PHOTO CREDIT: INSTAGRAM/THEWEIRDANDWILD

If you would like to be on your feet on National Day, join in on the Great East Coast Clean Up!

The initiative encourages Singaporeans to pick up litter at East Coast Park and East Coast Beach on Aug 9, especially since the park was recently filled with trash during the monsoon season.

Sign up by organising your own group of five or join an existing organised session for the clean-up. For more information on the initiative, check out their Instagram page.

3. Help Singapore's blood bank by donating your blood

Donors will be treated to ice cream as an appreciative gesture. PHOTO CREDIT: INSTAGRAM/NILAAA_XX

Stocks for certain blood types were reported to be at a critical level in June. While the numbers have returned to a healthy level, now is a good time for you to donate blood in case the stocks drop again.

The initiative is aiming to gather 55 blood donors to symbolise Singapore’s 55th National Day. The donation drive will be happening on Aug 8 from 1:30pm to 4:30pm at Bloodbank @ Dhoby Ghaut.

You can register to be a donor here or message the event organisers as shown in the poster above.

4. Dress up as iconic Singaporean characters in Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Dress up your characters as Stand-Up Stacey or Move-In Martin. PHOTO CREDIT: FACEBOOK/ANIMAL CROSSING CELEBRATIONS

For those familiar with the Nintendo game, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, you can now dress up your characters in local outfits on National Day.

Designed by illustrator Aida Sa’ad as part of a project by local photographer Matthew Ng, there are 15 costumes you can choose from, including Singapore mascot Merli and comic icon Mr. Kiasu.

These costumes will be available until Aug 16, so get on your Switch and give your characters a new look!

Check out the outfits and get the codes here.

Before you step out of the house this National Day, don’t forget to adhere to safe distancing measures and stay clear of the crowds. Stay safe!

Feeling bored at home? Hop on to Cr8studiosg to watch chat shows, stand-up comedy and music performances! Or visit MehGoWhere.SG for more resources or things to do!