By Akhaya Sagar | Director - Operations
Dear Friends,
First of all, a huge thank you for your continued support and concern for our New Home children! Here is what has been happening with the children over the last quarter.
A Chilly Treat!
The children are now back at school, but before term started in June, they had one last special treat! On the last day of May, our children visited ‘Snow City’, Bangalore! Set in an icy playground with the temperature being -5, it certainly was an experience for our children and colder than they could have ever imagined! Teeth chattered, yet they soon began to warm up from their excitement and running around! Inside was a magical wonder, with real snow fall, a snow castle, and an igloo! There was also mountain climbing, snow dancing and rafting, which was many of the children’s favourite activity!
Passing on the kindness
On the 2nd June, the children took a trip to a village 70 km from Bangalore called Kolar. Many children in the village are underprivileged, most living in slum-like conditions. Our children felt the happiness of giving, by providing over 50 other children, aged between 4 and 15 school rucksacks, stationary and sweets. All the children were delighted to meet each other, and all were excited to share their favourite songs and show their best dance routines to one another! After presenting the gifts, the children had time to integrate and play, and then feast on delicious biryani! It was a cheerful occasion, and many new friends were made. It was also clear to see that our children are learning the great impacts of small acts of charity, and we believe the acts of kindness from you, our donors and supporters are being learnt and passed on by the children.
Our children are leading the way to success
The following week, the children were back at school, beginning their new school year with different classes and teachers! Back to the routine of school and tuitions, they have been tremendously busy! We are also delighted to announce that Chiumayo who is studying in 10th Standard, was selected to become Head Boy of St. Michael’s school! He is overjoyed with his new role, and is managing his new responsibilities and work very well.
A new activity that has been taken up at the New Home recently is music. Every Saturday, from the beginning of June those who have a keen interest in music are having keyboard and guitar lessons, something that has proved to be very popular with the kids! Chiumayo recently came first place in the schools singing competition, when he sung a rendition of ‘I Cant Get Over You’ – by Anthem Lights.
A new addition to the Reaching Hand family
On the 25th June, we welcomed Ruth’s sister, Bhavana into the New Home family. Bhavana was reunited with her sister and is now very much a part of the New Home. She had gone through a long journey alone after she was split from Ruth. Becoming orphaned due to their parents losing their battle with AIDS, they had no family to care for them. Now they are together again, they are always by each other’s side! Bhavana loves crafts, reading, singing and sewing and is currently being tutored tailoring and English. Your support ensures that Reaching Hand has the means to take children under our wing. Children such as Bhavana who were once lonely, separated and facing an uncertain future.
A collective effort gives great rewards!
In our last report we wrote of our participation in the Bangalore TCS World 10K Marathon. This proved to be an amazing success, and Reaching Hand managed to raise awareness and promote our cause. On the 11th of July the Marathon press conference and prize giving ceremony took place, where it was announced that Reaching Hand had been awarded ‘Highest Fundraising NGO’! This was a fantastic recognition of the efforts of our supporters and donors especially! We just want to say a huge thank you to all who donated towards the event, or sponsored our Care Champions.
What’s next?
Reaching Hand is looking forward to being a part of India’s biggest philanthropic event, the Joy of Giving Week (http://joyofgivingweek.org/) which takes place annually on the 2nd – 8th of October! This is an event where people from all over the country come together, regardless of their background, religion or age to celebrate a festival of giving. We have many exciting plans, such as staff and volunteers participating in Bangalore’s first ever ‘sleep out’ event – Under The Starts(http://underthestars.in/) in recognition of the many children who are forced to sleep on the streets due to homelessness and abandonment in India.
We are also looking forward to ‘Food for Change’ (http://www.bangalorecares.in/events/food-for-change-2013/ )– where NGO’s and their supporters meet for a celebratory meal provided by the top hotels and restaurants in Bangalore, among many more special events! Keep up to date with our plans and activities by visiting our new Facebook page -https://www.facebook.com/pages/Reaching-Hand/219652364767163 where you will be able to see our regular updates and photos!
We encourage you to continue contributing when you have a reason to celebrate, dedicate a gift to someone you love, just want to do something different, spread the word with your friends.
We thank all of you from the bottom of our hearts for being there with us and hope that you will be associated with Reaching Hand in an active or passive form even in the distant future.
We look forward to your continued support and enduring relationship!
With Love and Care
Reaching Hand Team
By Akshay Sagar | Director - Operations
By Akshay Sagar | Director - Operations
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