A fantastic smell of biryani and butter cookies wafts through the air the moment the door opens. Inside, a family sits around the table reminiscing about simpler times whilst eating as many sweet treats as they can. This may be a familiar scene for some, but for others, Deepavali is a bleak reminder of what could have been if they were in a better financial situation. 

Donate now and be their light this Deepavali! Here are some of the individuals you will be blessing: 

Mdm Subtra, 40 

Mdm Subtra is a 40 year old single mother to 2 children. Both her children, aged 6 and 14 suffer from medical conditions. Since her divorce in 2013, she has not been receiving any maintenance and has struggled to put food on the table. However, the resilient mother works 3 part-time jobs to support her children to the best of her abilities. Despite the trying times, Mdm Subtra has completed a double Diploma in Social Welfare and Counselling, in hopes of seeking better employment opportunities. 

Mdm Eswari, 50 

Mdm Eswari, 50, lives with her teenage daughter in a 2-room rental flat. She has worked as a food packer since 2017, earning around $700 a month to provide for her school-going daughter. In July 2021, Mdm Eswari underwent spinal surgery and continued working after the procedure, to support her family. She was scheduled for a second surgery in February 2022 but unfortunately suffered a stroke which left her with walking and speech difficulties and the deterioration of her memory. Daily life has been an uphill battle for Mdm Eswari. She is thankful for her friend, who left her cleaning job of 8 years, to care for her. 

Funds raised will go towards the following:

• $4160 – 27 families 
• $1620 – 27 sets of 3 cookies for families 
• $1530 – community engagement event 

Excess funds raised in this campaign will be channelled towards Lights for Hope 2023.