Residents of Kyebando received early Christmas support as the Ruparelia Foundation carried out its annual festive outreach in the area. The visit marked the third year the foundation has organised the activity, which was started by the late Rajiv Ruparelia as a way of sharing the season with vulnerable families.
The outreach brought together children, parents and volunteers for a day focused on community interaction and support. Organisers said the programme was designed to ensure that families who often struggle during the festive period are not left out.
During the outreach, Chryshna Ruparelia said the initiative was personally introduced by Rajiv two years ago after he expressed the need for Christmas celebrations to go beyond private homes. She explained that he believed the season should be shared with children and families facing hardship, a principle that continues to guide the foundation’s work.
Following his passing, the programme was continued under the leadership of Shina Ruparelia through the Ruparelia Foundation. It has since become a yearly activity, with plans to keep returning to the same communities rather than offering one time assistance.
Organisers noted that the foundation aims to build long-term relationships by maintaining a consistent presence in the areas it supports.
In addition to Kyebando, the foundation has announced plans to take the outreach to Nansana, where hundreds of children are expected to benefit. The foundation said it intends to gradually expand the programme by adding one new location each year.
The outreach also included environmental and livelihood support. Annette Kim, a team leader with the Ruparelia Foundation, said the foundation partnered with the Ekilawuli community, which collects used plastic bottles and converts them into reusable household items such as plates.
She said the project provides income and practical skills to single mothers while also helping to reduce plastic waste.
Families who attended the event received food items, scholastic materials and sanitation supplies. Community members said the assistance would help ease pressure during the Christmas period.
Chryshna Ruparelia thanked Shina Ruparelia, volunteers and partners for their support and commitment to the programme, saying the foundation remains focused on continuing Rajiv Ruparelia’s vision through consistent community engagement.