With “Nuit Blanche” (“sleepless night” in French) as its theme, Passion Ball 2026 whisks guests away to a Parisian-inspired evening of generosity, imagination, and community. This annual fundraiser for Food from the Heart (FFTH), which takes place on 25 April 2026 at the St Regis Singapore, supports its food distribution programmes and outreach initiatives.
Will Ronald Stride, its chairman since 2011, stay up for the festivities? “Haha! At this stage of my life, there isn’t much that keeps me awake, and I’m past partying all night. As for FFTH, the charity is very well run, so I have no need to worry,” says the 86-year-old with a chuckle.
Stride, who lives in Singapore with his wife Janet, worked with management consultancy Booz Allen Hamilton for more than 25 years, specialising in financial services. Under his leadership, FFTH has grown into one of Singapore’s leading food redistribution charities, supported by more than 10,000 volunteers who serve nearly 64,000 beneficiaries across the island.
Founded by Austrian couple Henry and Christine Laimer in 2003 to redistribute surplus bread to those in need, FFTH has evolved its programmes to better support beneficiaries. In 2020, Stride launched its first Community Shop initiative, Food from the Heart Community Shop @ Mountbatten in Old Airport Road, to empower recipients with dignity and options.
“People rise to the occasion in times of geopolitical conflicts and natural disasters and rediscover the importance of community.”
Ronald Stride on giving during difficult times
Instead of food packs, they can select items to suit their dietary needs, family size, and personal preferences. Boon Lay, Lengkok Bahru, Punggol, and Chong Pang also have Community Shops, while Bedok South will open this May. In these families, the challenge extends beyond adequate food; it’s also about having healthier choices. Stride and his team have focused on improving the proportion of vegetables, protein, and nutritious products in food packs, such as fortified milk for seniors.
Technology also plays a crucial role in this effort. FFTH uses digital tools across its operations, from inventory control to volunteer coordination and donor management. In the Community Shops, for example, digital tracking helps Stride and his team better understand household preferences and nutritional needs. Ensuring outlets are adequately stocked with food items families want reduces wastage.
Food wastage remains a persistent challenge in Singapore. We generated 784,000 tonnes in 2024, which is equivalent to 53,900 double-decker buses, so redistribution remains an important strategy for FFTH. While Stride is proud to have contributed to efforts over the past two decades, he singles out policies like the Good Samaritan Food Donation Act 2024. This protects businesses that donate surplus food.
Legislation alone will not solve the problem, he emphasises. “Bringing about meaningful change requires a collective effort from the government, businesses, households and individuals to reduce waste at its source. If we can combine responsible production, mindful consumption, and effective redistribution, we can move much closer to a sustainable food system.”
Even as wars and AI disruption threaten to bring fresh uncertainties, Stride holds on to hope. “People rise to the occasion in times of geopolitical conflicts and natural disasters and rediscover the importance of community.”
If you would like to contribute to Passion Ball 2026 through sponsorships or collaboration, visit https://passionball.foodfromtheheart.sg/
