The tradition of distributing hampers during the festival of Diwali started over 65 years ago. This is indisputably the most massive undertaking by the Society due to the enormity of the work.

In order to accomplish this project each and every member has to give his fullest co-operation.

The number of hampers distributed has gradually increased over the years. Last year the Society distributed 1000 hampers.

Although we use the term as “Diwali Hampers”, it is important to note that the recipients of these hampers are from different race groups, religious and linguistic backgrounds.

This mammoth task requires months of planning, preparation and investigation to ensure that adequate time is assigned to various responsibilities.

July:

• The Casework Committee scrutinises the list of beneficiaries, adding new case, deleting those that have moved outside our service are or those who through natural attrition are no more.
• Members are assigned 60 to 100 cases to investigate.
• Home visits are undertaken, so that really deserving cases are issued with a card.
• This card entitles beneficiaries to a hamper during our distribution.

August:

• Investigations continue. On average, members have to make between 7 to 10 trips before all their cards are issues.
• Whilst this exercise is being implemented, members visit friends and businesses to solicit donations in cash and kind.
• Donations range from small amounts to hug amounts.

September:

• The Casework Committee draws up a list of essential grocery items with brand names stipulated, and ask suppliers to quote their prices.
• New applicants and doubtful applicants are re-visited to ensure that no deserving case is omitted, subject to the number of hampers available.
• The Casework Committee collates all reports and starts drawing up a final list of recipients.

October / November:

• Everything is fine-tuned.
• The Casework Committee, depending on funds, order 700 to 1000 hampers.
• Permission is sought from the principals of Solvista Secondary, Greenbury Primary and Duffs Road Primary to use their premises as distribution.
• We also seek permission from Phoenix Galvanizing to use their premises to pack the hampers and park the packed trucks overnight.
• Business houses are also approached to lend their trucks (minimum 5 trucks required) to facilitate the distribution of the hampers.
• Donors, their families and well wishers are invited to help us pack hampers.

Friday: 2 weeks before Diwali

• The Casework Committee meets at 12pm to receive groceries.
• Members and well wishers meet from 4pm to start packing hampers.
• This goes on to about 10pm.
• Supper is provided to helpers and hired labourers.

Saturday: 2 weeks before Diwali

• Members meet at Solvista Secondary at 6am, so that distribution can begin at 7am.
• Recipients have already started queuing from the early hours of the morning.
• In an orderly manner, recipients’ cards and ID’s are checked, and a substantial hamper comprising about 5 parcels containing the different items are given to each recipient.
• Transport is also provided by well wishers from the school to recipients homes.
• Generally by 9:30am, the entire team with the truck proceeds to Greenbury Primary.
• The same process goes on there.
• At around 11:30 the entire convoy proceeds to Duffs Road Primary.
• Some years old clothes and kitchen items are also distributed at the 3 venues.
• By 2pm this very arduous and fulfilling event is over.
• Numerous recipients do not show up due to ill-health or unforeseen circumstances – those hampers are personally delivered by members on the next day.

The Society hides itself in that this tradition which began in the 1940’s is continuing up to this day. Without the spirit of goodwill, assistance in cash and kind from individuals and business houses and the enthusiasm of all participants, this massive undertaking would not be the success it has become.