Caritas Humanitarian Aid & Relief Initiatives, Singapore (CHARIS) is the umbrella body for overseas humanitarian aid by the Archdiocese of Singapore. Humanitarian situations cover natural disasters and other adverse circumstances faced by the poor and needy, especially in developing countries in the region.

Aid provided by CHARIS includes funding, medical aid and volunteers for immediate relief as well as the long-term support of those displaced and in need.

CHARIS is a member of Caritas Singapore. It was launched on 20 August 2010 by His Grace, Archbishop Nicholas Chia.

Strategic Pillars:

• Connection
  To establish a community for CHARIS affiliates, parishes and local humanitarian organisations and to stay connected with the Caritas and other regional networks.
• Capacity
  To help build the capacity and capabilities of Catholic organisations undertaking overseas humanitarian work.
• Catalyst
  To catalyse volunteer efforts and to lead, share and mobilise efforts to support humanitarian needs.
• Compassion
  To engender empathy for all in need of humanitarian aid and inspire compassion grounded in the Scriptures and social teachings of the  Church.

About our logo:

• The CHARIS logo is inspired by and seeks to be consistent with the Caritas Singapore logo.
• The stylised cross identifies CHARIS as a Catholic organisation.
• The cross also forms an ‘umbrella’ which defines the role of CHARIS as an umbrella organisation.
• The colour purple represents the ‘advent’ of hope and love when humanitarian aid is provided to those displaced and suffering from adverse circumstances such as natural disasters, poverty and strife.
• The light of Christ that radiates through the centre of the stylised cross is the source that inspires and strengthens us to live out our lives in true faith and to fulfil the Church’s social mission for our neighbours in need.