Just an Extra Chair

Spread the festive cheer!

Just an Extra Chair

In view of COVID-19, we would like to remind those who are participating in our “Just An Extra Chair” programme to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and follow official guidelines. 

Do continue to register with us if you’re still interested to be a ‘Host’ or a ‘Guest’ for our coming festive outreach programmes. 

We would like to urge all Singaporeans to practise good personal hygiene as part of our efforts in fighting this virus!

 

The festive season can be a lonely time for city dwellers, but it does not have to be.

Chinese New Year is just around the corner and we want to spread a little festive cheer.

Fifth year in the running, Just An Extra Chair is something that we want to do for you. We want to connect people who have nowhere to go during festive seasons such as Chinese New Year with people who have an extra place (or maybe five) at their dining table.

There is no better time to share cultural experiences than the joyous festive season!

If you’re celebrating Chinese New Year, why not invite someone to share in the festivities? If you’re not, why not open your home to those who do celebrate but are unable to go home for the festivities?

If you are open to hosting some guests over at your house for Chinese New Year, please be in touch. We will match you up with someone and get you acquainted so you can have a great time together.

Sign up to be a Host or Guest!
Hosting Guest Workers? Download the Guide! (For Public)

This year, we’ve teamed up with Alliance of Guest Workers Outreach (AGWO) and Hope Initiative Alliance (HIA) to reach out to the Church Community.

Hosts will receive a Let’s Makan kit—complete with a hosting guide, recipe cards and other useful items. All you need to do is indicate your interest as either a church community, or an individual.

As a Church community:

  1. Invite guest workers who are fellow church members into your homes for a meal.
  2. Bless guest workers in your neighbourhood by inviting them to have a meal at a nearby food outlet.

Your church will collate the total number of interested Hosts and then contact us to arrange for collection of the Let’s Makan kit.

As an individual:

  1. Look for a guest worker within your church or community to invite them out for a meal
  2. Contact HIA at [email protected] to receive an exclusive cooler bag and starter kit

Our team will then contact you to arrange for the collection of your Let’s Makan kit. 

Download the Hosting Guide to start! (For Church community)

Featured Story

Last Chinese New Year, 35-year-old Filipino McRhon Banderlipe was invited to join Singaporean Sia Yan Dih and her family for their reunion dinner, despite him being a complete stranger. Image Source: Sia Yan Dih
Last Chinese New Year, 35-year-old Filipino McRhon Banderlipe was invited to join Singaporean Sia Yan Dih and her family for their reunion dinner, despite him being a complete stranger. Image Source: Sia Yan Dih
The Sia family were not only warm and gracious hosts on the day, but have also gone on to treat Mr Banderlipe like one of their own. Image Source: Sia Yan Dih
The Sia family were not only warm and gracious hosts on the day, but have also gone on to treat Mr Banderlipe like one of their own. Image Source: Sia Yan Dih
Mr Banderlipe (centre) playing table soccer with Ms Sia’s sons and other guests. Image Source: Sia Yan Dih
Mr Banderlipe (centre) playing table soccer with Ms Sia’s sons and other guests. Image Source: Sia Yan Dih
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FAQs

An artifact of our hurried city life is that people don’t usually get a chance to stop and look at someone in the eyes, let alone have a proper conversation. We want to spread some cheers and create real, meaningful connection among people.

People who know they will be spending the festive occasion alone can sign up as guests. We will match you up with people who have offered to share a meal. When you fill up the form, tell us a little about yourself and the dinner party (for hosts) so we can find you a good match.

We know that people in Singapore are naturally reserved and shy, so if you think you’d prefer to invite a friend along, we have included that as an option in the form. Similarly for hosts, if you think having a stranger at your dining table is awkward, host two! Simply indicate it on your form.
 
For a match to happen, a number of factors are considered, including date/time available, number of guests, dietary preferences, interests and more. Please don’t be discouraged if we aren’t able to find you a match. We will do our best to make sure everyone has someone.

18 (Saturday) and 19 January (Sunday),
24 (Friday), 25 (Saturday) and 26 January (Sunday),
1 (Saturday) and 2 February (Sunday),                                                8 (Saturday) and 9 February (Sunday).                                      Lunch or Dinner                                                 

Hosts who are opening up their homes may be concerned about safety. Vice versa, guests will also wonder if it is safe to step into someone’s home. Well, it’s definitely not a good idea to invite a random guy off the street, so use caution on that one.
 
What we do is that we will look through our participants’ details, get to know you and also get you acquainted with each other before your party.
 
You can get creative in the way you host! Besides inviting guests to your house, you can also host them at a public eating place. What about a picnic in the park?
 
You can also consider reaching out to known neighbours or students in your area!

Have a question?

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