Cover Migrant workers and ItsRainingRaincoats (IRR) volunteers at IRR gala luncheon. Photo: ItsRainingRaincoats
Migrant workers and ItsRainingRaincoats (IRR) volunteers at IRR gala luncheon. Photo: ItsRainingRaincoats
1 / 1
Marking its milestone gala, the charity reflected on its decade-long journey—from a simple gesture of kindness to a powerful social movement uniting communities in support of Singapore’s migrant workers
On September 21, ItsRainingRaincoats (IRR) celebrated a major milestone of its 10th anniversary with a heartfelt gala luncheon at National Gallery’s Supreme Court Terrace that honoured a decade of impact and the people who made it possible. The afternoon brought together government leaders, corporate partners, and long-time supporters in a moving tribute to Singapore’s migrant workers, whose contributions underpin the city’s daily life. Tatler Singapore was proud to serve as the official media partner for the occasion.
Founder Dipa Swaminathan opened the event with a stirring reflection on IRR’s humble beginnings—an initiative sparked by an act of kindness on a rainy day that has since grown into a nationwide movement for Singapore’s migrant workers.
In case you missed it: ItsRainingRaincoats turns 10: celebrating a decade of advocacy for Singapore’s migrant workers
Above IRR founder Dipa Swaminathan kicked off the gala kuncheon with an opening address. Photo: ItsRainingRaincoats
IRR founder Dipa Swaminathan kicked off the gala kuncheon with an opening address. Photo: ItsRainingRaincoats
1 / 1
She traced the organisation’s milestones, describing how It’s Raining Raincoats evolved from a one-woman effort into a fully registered charity that now provides essentials, education, and emotional support to workers across the island.
“We run Singapore’s—and perhaps the world’s—first free shop for migrant workers. We provide dental, vision, and casework support, and we collect and redistribute fridges, washing machines, bicycles, phones, and laptops—things workers can’t afford on their basic wage of $18 a day. In doing so, we’re creating a whole-of-society benefit: reducing carbon footprints, opening doors for volunteerism, easing the load on government agencies and corporates, and building the city together.”
Holding up a mask bearing the faces of IRR’s volunteers, Swaminathan reminded guests that “IRR is not a one-person movement—it’s a village” Her speech served as both reflection and rallying cry, urging the public and private sectors alike to renew their commitment to those who build and sustain Singapore’s homes, roads, and communities.
Above Dipa Swaminathan held up a mask, depicting faces of IRR volunteers. Photo: ItsRainingRaincoats
Dipa Swaminathan held up a mask, depicting faces of IRR volunteers. Photo: ItsRainingRaincoats
1 / 1
A Tribute to Ten Years
Above Guest of Honour Tan See Leng, Singapore’s Minister for Manpower. Photo: ItsRainingRaincoats
Guest of Honour Tan See Leng, Singapore’s Minister for Manpower. Photo: ItsRainingRaincoats
1 / 1
Guest of Honour Tan See Leng, Singapore’s Minister for Manpower, commended the organisation’s decade-long efforts to uplift migrant communities and highlighted ongoing improvements to welfare and working conditions. His remarks underscored the importance of ground-up initiatives such as IRR in building an inclusive and compassionate society.
The surprise runway show featured migrant workers and IRR volunteers. Photo: ItsRainingRaincoats
1 / 3
The afternoon took a joyful turn with a surprise runway show, where migrant workers took to the floor alongside IRR volunteers in outfits styled by sustainable fashion retailer Canvas & Weaves. Set to The Weather Girls It’s Raining Men—the song that inspired the organisation’s name—the runway became a lighthearted celebration of confidence, dignity, and shared humanity.
Yet the event also paused for reflection. A short film screened during the luncheon offered a sobering reminder of the realities many migrant workers face, including workplace accidents and loss of life. The video highlighted how IRR continues to step in—providing financial aid, advocacy, and emotional support for affected workers and their families.
The gala luncheon featured a live auction. Photo: ItsRainingRaincoats
1 / 3
A Celebration with Purpose
The spirit of generosity continued with a lively auction, where coveted artworks, luxury hotel stays, and rare spirits went under the hammer to raise funds for IRR’s ongoing initiatives. The funds will go toward sustaining initiatives such as the inspIRRe Store—Singapore’s first free shop for migrant workers—and educational and healthcare support services, including English lessons, dental care, and mental wellness outreach.
In her closing remarks, Swaminathan expressed gratitude to IRR’s volunteers, donors, and partners, whose collective efforts have kept the movement thriving for a decade. The luncheon closed on a hopeful note—a reminder that true progress is measured not just by infrastructure, but by the care extended to those who build it.
From a single raincoat to a movement that has touched countless lives, ItsRainingRaincoats continues to redefine what community means in Singapore. Its tenth anniversary marks not only a decade of service but also a renewed call to action: to keep compassion alive, rain or shine.
NOW READ
Tatler Ball Asia 2025: meet the Tatler Impact Award recipients at this year’s regional ball
Topics
Nafeesa Saini is the Features Editor at Tatler Singapore, where she shapes long-form stories on culture, business, philanthropy, wellness, and the people driving change in Asia. With a deep interest in storytelling that intersects meaningfully with identity and impact, she has profiled a diverse range of visionaries, from scientific pioneers in AI and health to creative trailblazers and literary minds.
Nafeesa’s writing includes cover stories and profiles that spotlight influential voices, alongside commentary on the trends reshaping our world.
Off the clock, Nafeesa unwinds with fiction, a good thrift hunt, and ‘brainrot’ TikTok scroll—while always keeping one eye on her next cultural getaway, usually to Indonesia.
