The Mayor of Ealing, Councillor Hitesh Tailor joined with dozens of people in Northolt to take part in putting together food hampers to help those in need with some festive joy being provided by The Diwali Basket Brigade.
The annual event organised by The Diwali Foundation, provides food hampers to vulnerable and socially deprived families from all faiths and backgrounds and across London, Birmingham, Manchester and Leicester. This year 4,250 were provided up from 3,000 in 2022.
Diwali, which takes place this year on 12 November 2023, is the Festival of Light and celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains & Buddhists. The hampers were packed and delivered by volunteers and charity and foodbank partners on 4 and 5 November 2023.
Founder Deepak Parekh started Diwali Basket Brigade as a way for the community to give back during the festive time.
Mr Parekh said: “Diwali is a time of celebration and happiness. Unfortunately, there are many families in our local communities who have little to cheer about, struggle to make ends meet and feel rejected. Diwali Basket Brigade is our effort to support and spread the message of Diwali – the message of hope, happiness and giving.”
