JOHOR BAHRU: Festive seasons are happy occasions where families come together to celebrate and rejoice.

However, this is not the case for the lower income families in Johor as they find it difficult to even put food on their table on a daily basis.

Some 60 needy families across the city, including those with senior citizens, single mothers and from the B40 categories got some early Deepavali cheer ahead of the Festival of Lights next week.

The Rotary Club of Johor Baru (RCJB) handed out ang pows (red packet) to 20 single mothers specially arranged by Mahilas, a non-governmental organization (NGO) whose main focus is to assist disadvantaged women and those under the B40 category. The group also assist families with disabilities.

The event, aimed at spreading festive joy to the needy, was made more memorable by the presence of RCJB president Dr. Vishwadeep S. Sandhu and RCJB community service chair Dr. Angamuthu Rajoo, RCJB officials and Mahilas members.

“We are happy to spread the Deepavali joy, not only to Hindu families but to others in the community as well. It is a real victory of light over gloom when we light their homes and hearts with goodness and generosity,” said Dr. Vishwadeep.

Deepavali, he said symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness and when society combines its efforts, it can reach out to more people who are in need.

Dr. Vishwadeep said what is distinctive about Malaysia is that we are an inclusive multiracial society. Inclusive – because we look after and care for one another. We find ways at the national and at community levels to help those who may be in need.

“And this (initiative) is a very good example of how we can do this to complement national-level programmes. RCJB makes every effort to provide for the deprived,” he said.

Previously, RCJB also distributed goodie bags, food vouchers and cheques to various groups in need ahead of other festive celebrations such as Hari Raya and Chinese New Year.

We hope this will help ease some of the financial burdens for these families and make it a little better for them when they celebrate Deepavali.”

“We are glad the Deepavali celebration for these families are made brighter this year. We hope more NGOs will come forward to assist the penurious,” he remarked.

The 20 single mothers, comprising the destitute, disabled and elderly, were relieved when they received cash aid from RCJB.

Devani Subramaniam gladly made the hour-long trip from Pasir Gudang where she lives to Yahya Awal Tamil school to receive the red packet.

She was all smiles upon getting the packet saying, “I can now have a simple Deepavali celebration with my children.”

“The cash will go a long way in making my children happy this Deepavali,” said the 50-year-old janitor who has five teenage children.

“I don’t earn much, so with this money, we can prepare Deepavali food and pastries. I am grateful to RCJB,” she added.

At another location, RCJB also handed out food baskets to some 40 families of various races residing at the PPR Sri Stulang flats.

The rations which included rice, oil, milk, sardines, eggs, noodles, milo and other household essentials as part of an annual effort called Lighting Hearts, Lighting Homes to ensure that members of the community – regardless of race or economic background – can enjoy Deepavali.

“We want to practice a culture of giving and send a reminder that the poor should not be neglected, more so during festive periods,” Dr. Vishwadeep remarked.

He stressed that during the festive period we also remember families of other races even though they are not celebrating Deepavali.

“Our thoughts are always with the less fortunate, especially during a time when they need care and attention,” he stressed.

This project is our way of helping them to weather these difficult times,” he said, adding that the club has been involved in foodstuff distribution to the poor and needy since the movement control order (MCO).

Deep furrows on the brows of recipients were eased after they received their goodie bags from the RCJB president.

One recipient Saraswathy Chellappan, 70, who doesn’t have a regular job, relies on well-wishers for food.