Lights for Hope 2021, 2022, 2023

Deepavali is a time of good cheer, relaxation and celebration, but for many, it isn’t always a festive period.

For many families, Deepavali features new colourful clothes, gifts of sweets and treats, and plenty of festive cheers. However, one family’s splurge on cookies is another families’ struggle to keep the lights on in their home. For some families, Deepavali is not a festival, but another bleak reminder of their financial challenges and increasing anxiety and worry.

In 2021, in collaboration with Ray of Hope (a Charity registered in Singapore), DDM Association participated in the Lights for Hope 2021 Campaign in providing groceries vouchers and also transportation for the distribution of goodies bags for disadvantaged families who are celebrating Deepavali.

In 2022 and 2023, DDM Association once again donated towards the campaign to help out our Indian families during the festival of light.

Hong Bao for Hope Event 2022

For families coping with financial difficulties, the Chinese New Year can be a very different experience, one marked by increased financial stress. Those who lack family support or social networks might also find the festive season turning into a period of increased social isolation.

In collaboration with ROH, DDM Association organised a Chinese New Year Hongbao for Hope mini-concert for some of the beneficiaries of ROH, featuring guest performers from Pipa Society Singapore and The Timeless Band. It was wonderful to see our beneficiaries clapping and swaying to the music.

DDM Association presented each family with a grocery bag containing the “Seven Daily Necessities" - fuel (matchsticks), rice, oil, salt, soy sauce, vinegar and tea (开门七件事 - 柴米油盐酱醋茶) and grocery vouchers.

Aside from being a practical gift, the grocery bag symbolised DDM Association's wish for each family to have their daily needs met in abundance in the new year.

In organising this event, we hoped to bring a bit of warmth and joy to those who struggle during this festive season. We also hope that our event inspires others to look out for the disadvantaged in the community and uplift them in their own ways.