GEORGE TOWN: Seven poor families can now look forward to the Deepavali celebration after they received food aid and clothes.

       The recipients, comprising mostly single mothers from the B40 group, took home sarees, traditional Deepavali cookies and ingredients to make festive savouries.

       Malaysia Hindudharma Mamandram Penang branch chairman Thanabalan Nanda Kumar said the poor and needy should not be forgotten during any festive period.

       “We decided to bring some Deepavali cheer to them. Both the mothers and their children can now have a joyful celebration,” he said after handing over the donation at the Rifle Range flats in Ayer Itam on Tuesday.

       Earlier, the organisation kicked off its Deepavali charity event by giving 30 bags of goodies to the poor at the Penang Hindu Endowment Board office in Macalister Road.

       “We gave the bags to a non-governmental organisation that is working directly with the underprivileged. We have prepared Deepavali cakes and ingredients for them to make their own delicacies,” said Thanabalan.

       The organisation will also be visiting Penang Prison to distribute Deepavali cakes to the inmates.

       “We will also be delivering 500 goodie bags to Hospital Penang.

       “Many families are facing hardship due to the pandemic and we hope that our small contribution can help ease their burden during this festive season,” he said.