Deepavali is a time of good cheer, relaxation and celebration, but for many, it isn’t always a festive period.  

The month leading up to Deepavali is a busy one for families who celebrate. For many of us who grew up celebrating Deepavali, there is almost always a sense of anticipation leading up to it — From the stress of searching for new clothes and the bustle of spring cleaning to stocking up enough bottles of cookies or preparing a feast for the household and guests, it is a much-awaited occasion for sweet memories and merry-making.

However, some families can only dream of having such worries. One family’s splurge on cookies is another families’ struggle to keep the lights on in their home. For these families, Deepavali is not a festival, but another bleak reminder of their financial challenges and increasing anxiety and worry.

This year’s Deepavali celebration is a chance for us to reignite the festival of light with hope and dignity for these families. Lights for Hope 2021 aims to support 31 families (65 adults and 8 children) through a one-time gift of $100 per adult and $60 per child so that they too can be given the opportunity to bask in the festivities.

Donate now and be the light of love that shines upon these families and be the reason for their renewed hope for a brighter future!

Dana 

22-year-old Dana and her 13-year-old younger sister live together with their Mother. When their mother was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and depression, she had to leave her childcare teacher assistant job which earned her $1500 a month.  Recently, Dana’s mother had to undergo surgery on the artery due to a heart attack. 

Since then, Dana had to take on the role of the primary caregiver to both her mother and sister, whilst holding down the fort at home as well as studying full-time. The family of 3 relies on monthly social assistance and the $350 maintenance that Dana receives from her father, which is usually inconsistent. 

Dana is currently in her last semester in school and understands the importance of education in Singapore. Without proper education, she will not be able to find good employment in the future. Poverty can be a vicious cycle, and education is one of the most important factors in breaking the cycle. Despite the overwhelming odds, Dana is determined to support her family financially once she graduates from school.

Mdm Mages 

A motorbike accident in 2010 left Mdm Mages with an injury on her right foot that still causes her acute pain and limits her physically to this day. Unfortunately, this injury has been certified to be permanent. 

In 2012, she lost her husband and has been struggling to support her daughter. Being the fighter that she is, she completed a WSQ certification in Nursing and began working in a hospital to be a better provider. However, that came to an end when she had to undergo surgery for the injuries sustained in her accident. Since then, Mages has remained gainfully employed in the same company since 2015 as a retail staff in a convenience store and brings home a meagre salary of $700.

Mdm Mages does her best for her 11-year-old daughter with the hand she was given. This year, Mdm Mages is back in school to continue her passion for nursing. She hopes that this will secure a better future for both her daughter and herself. She is determined to keep putting food on the table and avoid falling into a cycle of debt.

Here are some other families you’ll be supporting this Deepavali for Lights for Hope 2021 campaign:

1. https://rayofhope.sg/campaign/mdm-jaya/
2. https://rayofhope.sg/campaign/rita/
3. https://rayofhope.sg/campaign/ramesh/
4. https://rayofhope.sg/campaign/aravin/
5. https://rayofhope.sg/campaign/mr-mohan/