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SINGAPORE – Freshly baked holiday cookie boxes were delivered to the door of residents of one-bedroom rental apartments in Chua Chu Kang on Saturday (November 7) morning.
Retired Salbiah Yacob, 87, whose late husband was Punjabi, said that receiving the pineapple cakes, suji cookies and other treats at this time of year reminded her of when she celebrated Deepavali with him years ago.
Madame Salbiah was one of 200 individuals and families who received the goodies that were to ring in the festive spirit of Deepavali, which is celebrated on November 14.
By November 15, about 2,250 low-income families across the island will receive holiday cookies as part of an initiative of the Council of Executive Committees of Indian Activities of the People’s Association (Narpani Pearavai), which began distributing the baked goods to homes on November 1.
Malaysia’s Council of Executive Activities Committees (Mesra) is also supporting the initiative.
On Saturday, volunteers from both councils and their youth subcommittees joined Brickland District deputy Mr. Don Wee, who distributed the cookies to homes in Block 813A, Choa Chu Kang Avenue 7.
Wee said: “Through this, we can appreciate the culture of others and see how we can collaborate to improve the lives of the underprivileged, to remain an inclusive and compassionate society.”
Haridass Vankadasalam, 70, a resident of Block 813A, said the baked goodies brought some light to an otherwise bleak year for him.
Formerly a track and field coach at an international school, he lost his job earlier this year due to the pandemic. He was also beginning to have knee problems.
He moved to security camp, but works infrequently due to increasing knee pain.
“I had to ask my sisters to support me financially several times this year,” said Vankadasalam, who lives alone.
Another resident, Bavany Vengattaraman, 61, believes that residents of rental flats need to stay engaged with grassroots officials and their neighbors.
She plans to cook for her neighbors and share snacks, such as murukku and other Indian sweets, with them next week.
“I’ll do that. This is how we celebrate Deepavali,” he said.
The Singapore Indian Development Association (Sinda), together with its group of senior Indian business leaders, also completed on Saturday the distribution of gift packages, including greeting cards and personalized Deepavali cookies, to some 200 low-income Indian families. all over the island. The distribution exercise began on November 2.
Along the same lines of spreading holiday cheer, Narpani Pearavai and the Hindu Endowments Board (HEB) will send Indian vegetarian meals and murukku mix snacks to some 400 low-income families in 11 neighborhoods on Sunday. Neighborhoods include Kebun Baru, Boon Lay, and Telok Blangah.
This cooked meals initiative is part of a monthly effort by both organizations to reach families financially affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
HEB Community Seva Committee Chair Susila Ganesan said the organizations hope to expand the food distribution program, which began in September, to more neighborhoods and residents in need.
“These efforts are especially significant during this time when many are facing both financial and emotional challenges,” said Ms. Ganesan.
Sinda CEO Anbarasu Rajendran said the pandemic has made things difficult for low-income families, and many have approached the self-help group for help on financial aid, job security and also adjusting to learning in the home.
“Facing these challenges in times of uncertainty has also affected the mental health of many within our community. The Sinda Family Service Center has seen an increase in clients this year,” added Mr. Rajendran.
Sinda has set aside $ 7 million in financial aid for use through the end of the year to further help those adversely affected through schemes such as scholarships, cash payments, and transportation vouchers.
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