Deepavali, the Festival of Lights, is a joyous and vibrant celebration that holds a special place in the hearts of those who celebrate it. It’s a time for families to come together and homes to be adorned with oil-lamps. Yet, amid the celebrations, some families grapple with heart-wrenching decisions — choosing between decorating their homes or putting food on the table, buying new clothes for their children or paying rent. To spread the light of hope and love, we are raising $8924 for the following:

1. Disbursements and NTUC vouchers: $5520
2. Deepavali cookies & dinner: $3404

Here are some of the individuals you’ll be making Deepavali special for:

Renuka initially faced her amputation with remarkable composure, considering it a second chance at life. However, the full impact of her loss became evident after her discharge, leading to significant emotional challenges as she tried to adapt to a drastically different way of life. Despite these hardships, Renuka remained resilient and called for greater empathy and understanding for people with disabilities.

Mohinder faced a devastating tragedy when his wife, battling depression since 2012, took her life along with their two youngest children in 2017. This loss left him in deep despair, and he was subsequently diagnosed with PTSD, preventing him from working until at least February 2024. Since his wife’s passing, he has faced homelessness and destitution before finding stability with the support of social services. Mohinder looks forward to the day when he can secure full-time employment to meet their needs and reunite with his 2 remaining children.

Thana faced a challenging journey after her divorce in August 2022. She managed to secure a job as a hospital porter, but her life took a turn when she was diagnosed with SI Joint Dysfunction, rendering her unable to continue her physically demanding job. Left with no savings or income, this difficult period has taken a toll on Thana’s emotional well-being. Yet, she does everything she can to give her son a stable environment to grow up in.