JOHOR BAHRU: Although Deepavali is known as the Festival of Lights, many are still in darkness as they are trying to cope financially to celebrate the festival despite the economic challenges.

Daily struggles and heartache are amplified for the hardcore poor especially in the run-up of any festive season.

Many hardcore poor families are still experiencing hardship and difficult to cope especially this time of the year and this could lead to concerns of anxiety, stress and mental health.

In this quiet little hamlet, smack dab in the middle of the sprawling metropolis that is Johor Bahru, dozens of people stand in line patiently to receive their Deepavali aid from the Rotary Club of Johor Bahru (RCJB).

A number of these needy people waiting for this aid, including disabled persons, single mothers, jobless due to age and aged old folks living in the People’s Housing Project PPR Sri Stulang flats.

As the 30 families came forward to receive their aid, their faces were beaming with delight.

Earlier, RCJB officials kicked off its Deepavali charity event by handing over 30 bags of goodies to the penurious.

RCJB president Steven Wu said the needy and poor should not be forgotten during any festive period.

Wu was accompanied by a number of RCJB officials who helped handover the groceries to the recipients.

“We decided to bring some Deepavali elation to them. These families and their children can now have a joyful celebration,” he said after handing over the donation at the flats.

He said in life nothing can satisfy and please your soul as much as helping others. Not only helping the needy will make a difference in their life, it would have a lot of benefits for you as well.

He said with so many people suffering from homelessness and injustice around the world, there’s never been a better time to give back and help others.

Over the years RCJB has been very generous when it comes to any festive occasion. The club known for its big-heartedness has always been giving back and helping the deprived.

Wu says there’s never been a better time to give back and assist others.

“Each of us has our own burdens, but that doesn’t mean we can’t do anything to ease each other’s loads,” he remarked.

Today, RCJB has that true desire to make life better for others and truly believe that a very simple gestures of kindness can make a lot of difference.

While at the PPR flats in Sri Stulang, RCJB officials took time to converse with the recipients and listened to their hardships.

“The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention and everyone should play his part in helping others, “he stressed.

He pointed out that its either you do it yourself or person to person.

He said: “This is a timely project as some of them have either been retrenched or are jobless now and are facing a bleak future.”

The hampers contain foodstuffs which are considered essentials for Deepavali. They cost about RM100 each.

The food distribution aimed to alleviate the financial strain on poor Indian families during the economic downturn.

RCJB also provided each recipient with a RM100 ang pow for them to buy related items for the festive season.

“This noble initiative is an integral part of the Helping Hands for the needy during Deepavali, part of the community service of RCJB.

“The significance of this campaign goes beyond monetary contributions; it is about lending a helping hand to those who need it most.

“It goes beyond the tangible gifts; it brings smiles, warmth, and a sense of community.

“It reminds us all that in the spirit of Deepavali, we are not just an organization but a family, sharing the joy and blessings with the less fortunate,” he added.

Among the beneficiaries was Paroo Udi P. Kannan, who at 70 is not working as she is a disabled person.

Her husband passed away a few years ago and now she lives all by herself. She has no children.

Paroo Udi said: “I am a widower, and I live all alone in this three-room flat. I depend on well-wishers for food and rations.

She said the RM100 ang-pow will definitely come in handy as she will be able to buy herself some new clothes for Deepavali.

Another recipient was 67-year-old Suriakumari P. Gurusamy. Her husband had passed away a few years ago, and now she lives alone.

She said: “I am most grateful for the foodstuffs and ang-pow as I am going through financial difficulties. I can now celebrate Deepavali with my grand children.