Visaghan started the initiative in 2019 with a charity movie screening that generated over RM27,000.
Last year, in compliance with movement restrictions, he held an online Christmas and New Year’s bazaar that raised more than RM28,000.
According to him, Hospis Malaysia depends on support from the public to sustain their palliative-care services which are offered free of charge, and the past couple of years have been particularly hard due to the scarcity of donations during the pandemic.
Visaghan tells FMT that he started “The Ripple Effect” to fulfil the wish of a family friend named Jegadeva, a neighbour “who used to work tirelessly” on charitable fundraisers with his mother.
“During one of their discussions, Uncle Jegadeva mentioned he would like to do a fundraiser for Hospis Malaysia,” he shares.
“We did not know at the time that he was already receiving palliative care from the hospice.”
Sadly, Jegadeva passed away shortly in 2019. Moved by his passion for charity and in the hope of carrying on his work, Visaghan kickstarted the fundraising project.
He is joined this year by his younger brother Pranava, 16, and they have decided to follow last year’s approach of selling items virtually.
Their online Christmas and New Year bazaar kicked off at the end of last month and will run until the middle of January.
The brothers further decided that the campaign would help those affected by the pandemic by only featuring items from local entrepreneurs and artisans.
Handmade coasters, embroidered placemats and tissue-box covers, organic toiletries and more are up for sale, with prices ranging from RM40 to RM200.
“We are also selling Moniko purses and clutches that are recrafted from vintage kimonos,” Visaghan reveals, adding that each piece comes with the history of the kimono used and is handmade.
“The Ripple Effect 3.0” is also unique in that it features items from The Crafty Owl, a project started by Jegadeva’s wife Gana, who is in her 80s.
Tote bags, oven mitts, purses, pin cushions and much more are available for purchase, with each item hand-sewn by Gana herself.
Visaghan hopes this year’s fundraiser is able to garner as much support, if not more, than previously.
He credits his mother for his passion and drive to help people, explaining that she has been involved in fundraisers for many years.
“She has always encouraged us to pick a cause that we are passionate about and to help those in need,” he adds.
Help Hospis Malaysia and support local artisans by buying an item or two. For what’s on offer, visit their gallery here or contact Visaghan and Pranava at 012-5943987.