A huge thank you to the whole team behind Diwali Basket Brigade who have again chosen to donate food hamper to St Basils.
The Diwali Basket Brigade voluntary initiative will provide over 2,500 food hampers to vulnerable and socially deprived families and individuals from all faiths and backgrounds. The families and individuals have been nominated by over 20 local charities and community-based organisations and identified as most in need.
Diwali is the Festival of Light celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains & Buddhists. Founder Deepak Parekh started Diwali Basket Brigade in 2018 as a way for the community to give back at this auspicious time.
Deepak explained…
“Diwali is a time of celebration and happiness. But unfortunately, there are many families in our local communities who have little to cheer about, who struggle to make ends meet and feel rejected. Diwali Basket Brigade is our small effort to support and spread the message of Diwali – the message of hope, happiness and giving”
Given Covid-19, the approach has had to change from the usual format of volunteers coming together to prepare and then deliver the baskets. Despite the challenges, the team were determined to continue, given the need in our communities is greater than ever.
In 2021 the initiative will provide 2,500 hampers, an increase of 500 hamper from last year. The hampers will reach families in London and Manchester as well as here in Birmingham, where the initiative began.
The special Diwali baskets are funded by donations from across the community. They include healthy vegetarian food, a Diwali ‘Diya’ candlelight and, this year, helpful hygiene products. This is all thanks to the generous and kind donations received. Over £25,000 has been raised.
The baskets will be provided to St Basils and other charity and foodbank partners on Saturday 30th October, ahead of this year’s Diwali celebrations on Thursday 4th November 2021.
To find out more about The Diwali Basket Brigade and the team behind it, head to: https://diwalibasketbrigade.org/