About the Family

Every morning, 40-year-old Hana gets on her bicycle and begins her day making food deliveries. She cycles from one neighbourhood to another, knowing that every completed order helps put food on the table for her family.

The work is physically demanding. Hana manages asthma and hypertension, which require regular medical follow-ups, but she continues because her family depends on every dollar she earns.

Her husband, 42, also works in the gig economy, taking on driving jobs whenever his health allows. For the past 11 years, he has lived with an undiagnosed medical condition that causes him to collapse without warning. The uncertainty has made it difficult to maintain a steady income, yet he continues accepting work whenever he is able.

“We’ve always believed that if we can work, we should work,” Hana says. “We just want our children to grow up knowing they’re cared for.”

Together, they are raising ten children, ranging from 1 to 21 years old. The older children help care for their younger siblings, clothes are handed down between brothers and sisters, and meals are planned carefully so that nothing goes to waste. Their second son, who is serving National Service, sets aside part of his allowance to buy milk powder and diapers for his youngest sibling whenever he can.

When Their Plans Didn’t Work Out

A few years ago, Hana and her husband hoped to build a more secure future for their family through their own business.

After successfully running a home-based food business, they decided to open a physical shop. They invested their savings and borrowed additional funds, believing that owning a shop would provide a steadier income and greater stability for their growing family.

Unfortunately, rising rental and operating costs became too difficult to sustain. They eventually had to close the shop, leaving them with debts that they are still working to repay.

Today, Hana earns about $150 a week through food delivery work. Her husband earns about $350 a week when his health allows him to drive. Although both parents continue working as much as they can, their combined income is not enough to support a household of twelve while managing debt and everyday expenses.

The family had been receiving temporary financial assistance, but this support ended while their latest application is under review. In the meantime, they have fallen behind on utility bills and town council payments as they prioritise food and other essentials for their children.

Hana hopes to one day qualify as an early childhood educator. However, she still needs the required certification, and for now, she also needs work that offers the flexibility to care for her own family.

Continuing to Move Forward

Hana has not stopped looking for ways to improve their situation.

She has sought help from her Family Service Centre, met with her Member of Parliament, and explored the Debt Repayment Scheme as a way to manage the family’s debts. However, the legal costs needed to begin the debt restructuring process remain beyond what the family can currently afford.

In the meantime, Hana and her husband continue taking on work whenever opportunities arise, budgeting every dollar carefully while doing their best to provide a stable home for their children.

What We Are Raising Funds For

This campaign seeks to raise $6,307.48* to provide temporary financial relief while the family works towards rebuilding their financial stability.

The funds will help cover:

Essential household expenses — $6,000

Four months of groceries, household necessities, transport, milk powder and diapers for the youngest child, and other everyday expenses (approximately $1,500 per month)

Outstanding utility bills — $195.95

To clear overdue payments and keep essential services connected.

How Your Support Will Help

Every week, Hana and her husband carefully stretch their income across groceries, transport, medical appointments, household bills, and the daily needs of their ten children. Even with both parents working, there is little room for unexpected expenses or setbacks.

Every morning, Hana gets back on her bicycle because she wants to keep providing for her family. This support will give her and her husband breathing room over the next three months by helping them meet essential household expenses and clear their overdue utility bills. It will allow them to focus on maintaining their income, caring for their children, and continuing the steps they are already taking to resolve their financial difficulties.

For Hana, the goal is simple.

“I just want our children to have a stable home where they can grow up feeling safe and cared for.”

With timely support, this family can continue working towards that future.

* The campaign goal includes a payment processing fee of 1.8%