Team Reports |
Levels of AppreciationJudy Dryden — Murray & Margaret’s daughter Appreciation — this word kept coming back to me during our time in Pune. Mom and Dad hoped children would sleep comfortably with their bedkits. I wonder if they realized how many levels of appreciation were the result of these gifts. A ripple effect expands outward from the children who receive the bedkits to encompass their community and also individuals in the global community. The children’s appreciation was readily apparent by their smiles and hands folded in “Namaste,” but that is only a part of the picture. Donors who see the photos of their children with their new bedding and school supplies can derive a feeling of satisfaction in knowing they’ve helped youngsters in another part of the world.
The Rotary Club volunteers spent long hours organizing the distributions and enlisted older children to help pack the bedkits and assist the younger children during the distributions. They offered their time because they appreciated the benefits the bedkits give to the recipients. At each distribution, crowds of local residents gathered. As well as their delight in seeing the children given the bedkits, their conversations and camaraderie showed their appreciation of some social time away from their difficult daily life. It was humbling to hear the effort put into a complicated, memorized thank you speech given in English by a six year old boy whose first language is Marathi. It was hard to imagine how much time he must have spent working with his teacher in order to deliver his beautiful message. When we visited children who received bedkits last year, we could see the uniforms, shoes, and backpacks still in use. The blue of the girls’ uniforms was slightly faded, and the backpacks had been mended, but it was obvious the children were proud of them. The parents commented that their children’s school attendance has improved since receiving the bedkits. Some of the children travel 10 km in order to attend school. These parents want their children to receive an education, and are grateful for the supplies in the bedkit that encourage the children to do well.
The most moving demonstration of appreciation came from the former bedkit recipients from St. Crispin’s Home. One lady was part of Dad’s first distribution in 1970. Others commented on how the bedkit had improved their lives. They talked about sleeping better, and one said she learned her ABC’s by reading the pattern on her new quilt. Delphine, now a nurse, said she received her bedkit in 1983. Her appreciation was so great that she has kept the blanket from that kit for the past twenty-six years. I was honoured to be part of the family team during the Year of the Millionth Bedkit celebrations. It was a treat to watch Theo, Jeff, Anaka, and Chris at work, and it was a wonderful opportunity to be with others from the Dryden/Burton clan. I know Mom, Dad, and Theda would appreciate that, too. |
