Donations For Novena Crane Accident Victim Hits Target Thanks To Selfless S’poreans, Over $150K Raised

Over $150K Successfully Raised For Worker Who Died In Novena Crane Accident

Earlier this month, news of a crane accident at Novena saddened many Singaporeans. The victim, Mr Velmurugan, left behind a wife who was expecting their first child in India.

ItsRainingRaincoats, an initiative that aims to spread compassion towards migrant workers, created a fundraiser for his family. Singaporeans responded with an outpouring of goodwill and support.

At the end of the campaign, a total of $158,468 was raised, exceeding the goal of $150,000.

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Raised $158,468 for Novena crane accident victim

A fundraiser was started by ItsRainingRaincoats to support his family back in India. ItsRainingRaincoats’s founder told Channel NewsAsia (CNA) that they shared his details because they did not want him to “be another statistic”.

They said,

We wanted everyone to know his name and story.

By the end of the campaign, they managed to raise $158,468 because of the generosity of Singaporeans. Some even donated at least $1,000 to the cause.

Donors concerned for family

Many donors were saddened by the accident and worried about his family since he was the sole breadwinner.

This person, who donated $1,000 anonymously, said they donated because his wife and unborn child would “need all the financial support”.

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Some simply wanted to help the bereaved family, like this one.

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Another donor said that it was only right that they donated because Singaporeans owe “a debt of gratitude” to the workers who build our homes.

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Money going to family & wife

In an update posted to their Facebook page on 13 Nov, ItsRainingRaincoats shared that Mr Velmurugan has been cremated on 7 Nov.

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The people behind the initiative “have been regularly speaking” to his father, younger brother, and wife since 8 Nov. They shared that the donations will be remitted directly to the accounts of his father and his wife.

ItsRainingRaincoats shared that they aim to help them “get the best possible advice on managing their funds” as well.

You can read the update here.

Touching show of goodwill

The total amount raised through the campaign shows the touching generosity of Singaporeans and other donors alike. ItsRainingRaincoats thanked those who encouraged them too, adding that they were the “wind beneath [their] wings”.

While we know the money raised can never make up for Mr Velmurugan’s life, we hope that his family will be better supported.

MS News offers our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.

Featured image adapted from ItsRainingRaincoats on Give.ASIA