MUMBAI: This Diwali Essar Foundation, in collaboration with Essar Ports, brightened the lives of elderly people. Earlier this month, the team had visited the old aged home – Sahyog Vridh Ashram, situated in the Wada-Palghar region, and found that the Ashram was desirous of ration support. Since they have a borewell, they also required a RO Water Filter. Essar chose to address these requirements during the auspicious time of Diwali and spread joy among the elderly people at the old-age home. Essar donated ration, viz. dal, rice, wheat flour, oil, spices etc. to the Ashram and are in the process of providing a RO Water Filter soon. Dominic Dsouza, COO-CSR of Essar Foundation, Tej Singh Barwa, and Payal Chhabra represented the Essar Foundation.

Sahyog Vridh Ashram provides shelter, food and comfort to elderly people who can no longer live in their own homes for various reasons. Few have been abandoned by their children, some have lost their spouse, while some suffer from chronic diseases that made them incapable of living an independent life. These people face multiple problems, viz. psychological, physical, emotional, and health challenges. At the Sahyog Vridh Ashram, they find solace and consolation being with their own age group, apart from being cared for by dedicated caregivers who help them with their daily chores. Presently, the old-aged home houses 11 gents and 17 ladies. The team also spent some time at the old-age home and shared memorable moments with the residents, which brought smiles to them this Diwali.