You can also download a
PDF version of this report from our Distributions page.
|
Putting Smiles on FacesJan Pearce — Burlington, ON
"Eata tomar Canadian bandhur kach theke. Sab khichu tomar janya," is Bengali for, "This is from your Canadian friends. Everything here is for you." The exuberant and sometimes shy smiles are the ultimate reward when we, the SCAW volunteers, hand the bedkit and its wonderful contents to the beautiful young children, ages six to twelve. These girls and boys often had long trips, by bus or on foot, to the distribution site. They waited patiently before and after getting dressed in their new clothes. Following their photograph, it was very rewarding to meet with each child and personally hand them their colourful mattress that wrapped around the bedkit contents — a bundle that was often almost as big and heavier than some of the children!
We intentionally tell each child that "this is your gift from your friends in Canada." We hold their hands, tap their shoulder and the bedkit, so that they know this wonderful, oversized treasure belongs to them. We feel that these happy children, with their dark, shining eyes, understand our gestures. The Rotarians tell us that the bedkit contains more gifts than the children have received in their entire young lives. A flashlight is one of the valued gifts. Many children come from remote villages with no electricity. At the end of some distributions, we feel deep sadness when we are approached by parents and children who had not received bedkits. Our hope is that their opportunity will come next year. It is our privilege and pleasure to represent generous SCAW donors who have a sincere interest in the comfort and well-being of these needy children from very poor families. Murray and Margaret Dryden's vision lives on since each bedkit ensures that the recipient has a comfortable sleep and sweet dreams. When we give a bedkit to each grateful child, we, the volunteers, receive the greatest gift of all. |
