KATHMANDU: Spreading holiday cheer to children in local orphanages across the Capital, 'Light Up Lives This Christmas', an initiative of The Himalayan Times concluded on December 24.

The event, held on Christmas Eve, saw businesses contribute gifts such as toys, clothing, and essential supplies to selected orphanages. Through partnerships with local companies and orphanages, the event successfully spread joy and highlighted the true spirit of giving in the Capital.

As part of the initiative, The Himalayan Times donated three televisions to orphanages and autism care centres-Anmol Children Development Home, New Baneshwor; Autism Care Nepal Society, Harisiddhi; and Pranavananda Ashram, Guheswhori-to support their recreational and educational needs.

Joining hands with THT in this initiative was The Everest Hotel - it provided gifts and food to the children at Autism Care Nepal Society; Dwarika's Hotel provided cake; and Daffodil School handed over gifts.

'We are delighted to support this meaningful initiative and share the spirit of the season with the community,' the press statement quoted Rene Vijay Shrestha Einhaus, CEO, of Dwarika's Hotel as saying. 'We are honoured to collaborate with The Himalayan Times for this noble cause, and we hope our small gesture brings joy to the residents of the Ashram,' he was further quoted as stating.

THT also joined hands with Varun Beverages Nepal to celebrate Christmas with the children of the New Nepal Society in Balkot. The company distributed gifts and snack packets, creating a joyous atmosphere filled with dancing, singing, and shared laughter, a press release issued by Varun Beverages Nepal stated.

The press statement quoted Prakash Saldanha, HR Head of Varun Beverages Nepal, highlighting their dedication to creating positive change in society: 'We are actively engaged in various community welfare activities, including our Aaru Clinic for free health services to the public, organising free health checkups in schools, water recharge initiatives, traffic light distributions, community garden development, and regular blood donation drives. Additionally, we support orphanages, celebrate Children's Day with underprivileged children, and contribute to community development.'

AITM College, another organisation that partnered with THT in the initiative visited Mountain Children Home in Budhanilkantha - staff, faculty members, and the students of Bachelor's level came together to share gifts and create joyful memories with the children.

The initiative aimed to foster a spirit of giving and compassion by providing thoughtful gifts and spending meaningful time with the children and underscores AITM College's ongoing dedication to community engagement and making a positive impact on society, a press release issued by the college stated.

Round Table Nepal (RTN) contributed to this effort of THT by celebrating Christmas with children at New Children's Home, Hattigauda. The activities included cake cutting, Santa giving away chocolates and gifts, stationery and grocery distribution and singing songs with the children, stated a press release issued by RTN.

The contributions of participating organisations were featured in The Himalayan Times, both online and in print.

Ravin Lama, Managing Director of The Himalayan Times, hoped that the event would inspire others. 'We hope this initiative inspires others and becomes an annual tradition that demonstrates the lasting impact of small acts of kindness,' he said.

The Himalayan Times, Nepal's leading English-language daily remains committed to fostering community engagement and will continue organising events that positively impact lives in the future.