The history of the Diwali Foundation and Diwali Basket Brigade
The Diwali Foundation has been running since 2018 and was founded by Deepak Parekh.
Diwali Basket Brigade is a community initiative run and funded on donations by local volunteers. Diwali is one of the most popular Hindu festivals, and founder Deepak Parekh, started Diwali Basket Brigade as a way for the community to give back.
How does it work?
The objective of Diwali Basket Brigade is simple. To provide food hampers to socially deprived / vulnerable households, from all faiths and backgrounds in and around the UK, ahead of the auspicious festival of Diwali.
The hampers are packed and personally delivered by a group of over 200 volunteers. The event organisers work closely with charities like ours as well as councils, schools and various other organisations to identify the recipient families, thereby ensuring that those in most need of support benefit from the initiative.
What’s in the hampers?
The food hampers include vegetarian food items, and comprise both perishable (e.g. fruit and vegetables) and non- perishable food items (e.g. tinned soup, rice, pasta, pulses etc). Meal recipes are also provided in each hamper, all of which can be cooked with the food ingredients provided in the hamper, ensuring the recipient has everything they need to cook a nutritious meal.
How will this help St Basils young people?
Barrie Hodge, Head of Fundraising said: “We have been putting together a wishlist of items we are in need of to support our young people in these current difficult times as many young people have lost their jobs so money is very tight, and a few are isolating, even for those who are not, supermarkets are currently very daunting places, so to have nutritious food and essential toiletries, delivered direct to our young people is a wonderful kindness that they will be truly grateful for. What’s more the fact that recipes are included for the selection of food provided will help young people with their life skills and learning to cook for themselves. All young residents have the chance to take part in our accredited life skills programme and this will provide them with more opportunity to practice free of charge.”
“We really appreciate this wonderful donation from Diwali Basket Brigade!”