Hearing from Dipa Swaminathan and Rasi Thirumalai – Founder and at ItsRainingRaincoats
Can you tell us about your experience winning this award and what it means for your business?
We are incredibly honoured and grateful to have been awarded INSEAD’s BAFG Award for Social Enterprise.
The award from INSEAD underscores the value of our work in fostering a positive force for change. It not only brings increased visibility to ItsRainingRaincoats but also amplifies our voice in advocating for social causes. This recognition allows us to reach a broader audience, attracting potential partners, donors, and collaborators who share our passion for making a meaningful difference in Singapore.
Moreover, the INSEAD award serves as a source of inspiration for our team, boosting morale and instilling a sense of pride in the impactful work we do. The validation from such a prestigious institution encourages us to continue pushing boundaries and exploring innovative solutions to address the challenges we are passionate about.
As we reflect on this achievement, we recognize that the award is not just a recognition of past accomplishments but a catalyst for future growth and impact. ItsRainingRaincoats remains committed to its mission, and we are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead as we leverage this recognition to expand our reach and make an even greater difference in the lives of those we aim to serve.
Can you discuss any unique or innovative approaches your business has taken to be a force for good?
One notable initiative that highlights our dedication is the introduction of our first Youth Hackathon.
The Youth Hackathon is IRR’s endeavour that not only engages young minds but also involves them directly in our journey to create positive social impact. By providing a platform for the youth to actively contribute to our mission, we are nurturing the positive change-makers of tomorrow. This initiative empowers the younger generation, encouraging them to think creatively, problem-solve, and actively participate in addressing social challenges.
Through the Youth Hackathon, we aim to instil a sense of social responsibility and activism in the participants. We believe that by involving the youth in our endeavours, we are sowing the seeds for a future generation that is not only empathetic but also actively contributes to social integration in Singapore.
In addition to our youth-focused initiatives, ItsRainingRaincoats is dedicated to strengthening our charity through digitalization. Embracing technology allows us to enhance our efficiency, reach, and impact. By leveraging digital tools, we can streamline our operations, reach a wider audience, and improve the overall effectiveness of our programs.
The digitisation efforts encompass various aspects, including online fundraising campaigns, virtual awareness programs, and the use of social media to amplify our message. This approach not only modernises our operations but also ensures that we stay connected with a diverse and global community of supporters.
These approaches not only make us a force for good today but also lay the foundation for a sustainable and impactful future for ItsRainingRaincoats.
Can you discuss any partnerships or collaborations your business has formed in order to have a greater positive impact?
We acknowledge the significance of collaborative partnerships in effecting meaningful change and actively seek to form alliances with individuals, businesses, and organisations that share our vision. One notable collaboration is our strategic partnership with Engineering Good, a non-profit dedicated to narrowing the digital divide by providing refurbished laptops to vulnerable communities and developing open-source assistive technology with disability groups.
Through this collaboration, we are actively supporting our beneficiaries’ aspirations for upskilling and continued education, crucial building blocks for enhancing their lives. Together, we are united in pursuing a common goal – addressing social challenges and making a tangible, positive impact on the lives of those we aim to serve.
Additionally, we have joined forces with Life Line Clothing, a textile recycling company committed to reducing textile waste. This partnership offers ItsRainingRaincoats a sustainable solution to handle unwanted donations. With this collaboration, we can sustain our recycling efforts in an environmentally responsible manner.
Our commitment to partnerships and collaborations is deeply ingrained in the essence of ItsRainingRaincoats. These alliances serve as a driving force behind our capacity to generate positive change, expand our influence, and establish meaningful connections with diverse stakeholders who share our passion for making a meaningful difference.
Catch-up with 2023 Winners – Interview series
Post #1 – Gao De Hui, CEO, SDTR MARINE PTE. LTD
Post #2 – Dipa Swaminathan and Rasi Thirumalai, Founder and Executive Director at ItsRainingRaincoats
Catch-up with 2022 Winners – Interview series
Post #1 – Michelle Woo, VP Venture Build, ENGIE Factory Asia Pacific (Corporate Winner)
Post #2 – Masami Soto, Founder of Buy One Give One – Empirics Asia
Post #3 – Gurpreet Singh, Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) at RightShip