After befriending elderly residents living alone in her Yio Chu Kang neighbourhood, housewife Diljan Shaik Arif Ali found that many prefer to have home-cooked fare.
She started cooking simple dishes such as rice, mixed vegetables and non-spicy curry chicken for about 10 of them almost daily, with the expenses coming from her own pocket. She had been doing this for about two years, before the two-month circuit breaker.
When she has cooked enough food to go around, she gives some to needy families, especially larger ones with young children or with parents who have medical conditions.
The 41-year-old is among the Singaporeans in the National Day Parade (NDP) “stories of strength” film, as part of 55 stories of people who embody strength and resilience.
Ms Diljan’s friendship with her neighbours – who come from all races – began when she saw them sitting by themselves outside their homes, or at the void deck of their rental block.
Ms Diljan, who started volunteering at 21 as a grassroots member, estimates the expenses come up to $30 a day, though she sometimes uses food donated by a food bank. The cooking involves only one meal a day, and not every day.
During the circuit breaker, when she could not visit her neighbours, she would phone them.
She hopes to resume her food distribution in September, though she moved to Canberra Crescent, four MRT stops away.
Four other mothers in their 40s in Yio Chu Kang have joined in to support Ms Diljan. They distribute bento boxes sponsored by the charity Beyond Social Services.
Her family, including two daughters aged 15 and five, helps out.
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Source: The Straits Times, 9 August 2020