SCAW Blog: Nepal, 2026: May 4
This is the morning of Day 1 for Team Nepal. We had a welcome meeting with our gracious Nepalese hosts where we were shown the bedkit items and given a rundown of the itinerary.
We are all very excited to see the children at our first distribution after a travel day tomorrow.
Team Nepal, 2026
Rotary Club of Himalayan Golfers🇳🇵+ SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW blog: Uganda, 2026: May 2
Yesterday, May 1st, we completed our final distribution of 500 bedkits in the Gulu region, making it a total of 4000 bedkits.
What an amazing experience! Our SCAW team members were so happy to help provide these gifts from the wonderful donors in Canada to these lovely children. Our partners in Uganda, the Inner Wheel of Kampala Central, were so great to work beside in this endeavor.
As we approach the end of our journey, the Inner Wheel ladies had arranged an excursion to Murchinson National Park while we are in this region before returning to Kampala.
After entering the Park, we encountered some of the natural wildlife, such as elephants, antelope, water buffalo, a ground hornbill, giraffe, baboons and warthogs.
Elephant (with birds)
Antelope
Water Buffalo
Ground Hornbill
Once we reached the top of the Falls, we could hear the rumble of the rushing water. A member of the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) met us and was our guide to the Falls. He described the history behind the name and about the waters that flow into and out from the Falls.
Seeing the Falls was breathtaking!
The thunderous roar, the cascading water, the silver white spray. What a magnificent sight! It was mesmerizing.
This was a lovely ending to our trip. Many thanks to the ladies of the Inner Wheel who made this possible.
Team Uganda, 2026
Inner Wheel of Kampala Central 🇺🇬 +SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Uganda, (Group 2) 2026: May 3
We arrived in Uganda, a little travel weary, happy to be here with our wonderful Women of the Inner Wheel who came out to meet our 10:20 pm flight and get us to our hotel.
Sunday was our ‘rest’ day! Following a relaxing morning, we were picked up by Mohammad, our driver, to visit one of Kampala’s 3 world heritage sites … the Buganda Royal Tombs Kasubi … where we enjoyed a wonderful tour. Augustine, our guide, walked us through the history of Uganda.
A fabulous first day … ending with an enjoyable evening with our 2 Uganda Teams getting together over dinner.
Team Uganda, 2026
Inner Wheel of Kampala 🇺🇬 +SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW BLOG: Philippines, 2026: May 3
The very first day, of my very first SCAW distribution could not have been more special. After fortifying myself with a hearty breakfast I nervously boarded our bus at 7:30 am and we departed en route to Barangay Fortune, Marikina City. When we arrived we were greeted by a sea of 300 children, proudly dressed in their new colourful pyjamas. Shy smiles and waves communicated their excitement!
We were so grateful that our hosts had arranged a covered venue in the local elementary school as the temperature quickly climbed to 36 C.
After a crash course in how to organize a distribution I was given the task of “marking” the children. This important task helps to identify those that have been photographed and move them forward to receive their bedkits.
Little did I know how profound the connection would be to hold the hand of each child and draw a happy face on their tiny finger. As I held their hand and said the word “happy” it seemed like the nerves and tension melted away. I was often treated to a big smile! The small connection across language and worlds will stay with me forever. I heard “thank-you, Po” so many times yet it was me that was truly grateful. I released them to receive their bedkits, finally seeing first-hand the profound impact that each donor’s gift would have on a deserving child.
I thank SCAW for the opportunity to share in this incredible experience and our Kiwanis hosts in the Philippines for welcoming our team so graciously!
Team Philippines, 2026
World of Sweet Dreams, Inc. Philippines 🇵🇭 + SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Uganda, (Group 2) 2026: May 3
We arrived in Uganda, a little travel weary, happy to be here with our wonderful Women of the Inner Wheel who came out to meet our 10:20 pm flight and get us to our hotel.
Sunday was our ‘rest’ day! Following a relaxing morning, we were picked up by Mohammad, our driver, to visit one of Kampala’s 3 world heritage sites … the Buganda Royal Tombs Kasubi … where we enjoyed a wonderful tour. Augustine, our guide, walked us through the history of Uganda.
A fabulous first day … ending with an enjoyable evening with our 2 Uganda Teams getting together over dinner.
Team Uganda, 2026
Inner Wheel of Kampala 🇺🇬 +SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Uganda, (Group 2) 2026: May 3
We arrived in Uganda, a little travel weary, happy to be here with our wonderful Women of the Inner Wheel who came out to meet our 10:20 pm flight and get us to our hotel.
Sunday was our ‘rest’ day! Following a relaxing morning, we were picked up by Mohammad, our driver, to visit one of Kampala’s 3 world heritage sites … the Buganda Royal Tombs Kasubi … where we enjoyed a wonderful tour. Augustine, our guide, walked us through the history of Uganda.
A fabulous first day … ending with an enjoyable evening with our 2 Uganda Teams getting together over dinner.
Team Uganda, 2026
Inner Wheel of Kampala 🇺🇬 +SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Philippines, 2026: May 2
We arrived safely on May 1, 2026 around 6:00 am after a 16-hour non-stop, full and pleasant flight. The four of us travelling from Toronto Pearson Airport had a new experience when we were asked to put our carry-on luggage on the scale, before we weighed the checked luggage. Two of the carry-ons were over the seven pound limit so we all spent several minutes transferring items to checked bags. Thankfully, we were successful.
The three other team members who were travelling from Vancouver were very excited to meet us in Manila. It was a happy time for us to be finally together, after so many months of planning.
The manager of the Overseas Volunteer Partners was waiting patiently for us. We were delighted to meet him.
On the way from the airport, we stopped to tour the famous Museo De Intramuros and see the beautiful and historical San Agustin Church in Manila.
We are excited to get to work delivering bedkits and seeing smiling children.
Team Philippines, 2026
World of Sweet Dreams, Inc. Philippines 🇵🇭 + SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Uganda, 2026: May 1
Our final distribution with the Inner Wheel of Kampala Central took place under a sunny sky in northern Uganda, a beautiful and special day as we all celebrated the kids receiving their gifts from the donors. 4000 children will now be getting a better night’s sleep through the generosity of our donors - a huge thank you to them as well as to all our volunteers and supporters who make this magic happen.
Distributions like this one are such a wonderful reminder that there are good people all across the globe who just want children to be able to live their best lives and to thrive. And … they give us all 4000 more reasons to be joyful!
Team Uganda, 2026
Inner Wheel of Kampala Central 🇺🇬 +SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Uganda, 2026: May 1
The hospitality shown by our partners and all those we have volunteered alongside in Uganda has been inspiring. We have been welcomed into homes and communities with a generosity that we all can learn from. After one of the distributions, a post-distribution lunch was kindly prepared for us by a local host. The women cooked outside, creating a bountiful meal of delicious Acholi dishes. The pots were enormous, reflecting a local custom that it is impolite not to feed as many people as possible in the village.
The dancing that follows a meal is a joyful expression of community and gratitude, a celebration of simply being together.
Team Uganda, 2026
Inner Wheel of Kampala Central 🇺🇬 +SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Uganda, 2026: April 29 (Copy)
On the 4th day after our arrival in Uganda, we set out from Kampala northwards on a 7 hour drive. We were headed to Patira in the district of Nwoya for our 3rd distribution of 500 bedkits. The ladies from the Inner Wheel of Kampala joined us on our journey to the distribution site. It was an enjoyable trip through the countryside of Uganda with a brief stop to pick up lunch. Wonderful conversations were shared with our Ugandan partners and it was a good way to get to know them better.
When we arrived at the site, we saw that the bedkits had been delivered and the families were anxiously awaiting our arrival.
They greeted us with cheers and smiles of gratitude. While the children changed into the clothing provided in the bedkits, we introduced our groups and shared the items their children would be receiving. Photos of the children were taken, followed by the distribution of the bedkits. The children walked away with great big smiles.
It was a heartwarming sight for all who participated in the distribution
Just as we were finishing up the last few photos the rain started.
Another great day in Uganda.
Team Uganda, 2026
Inner Wheel of Kampala Central 🇺🇬 +SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Uganda, 2026: April 28
As we stepped off the minibus in Kiboga, Uganda, on April 27, 2026 we were greeted by an open field next to a church, framed by rolling countryside and distant mountains. It was a stunning sight—but the real magic started the moment we arrived.
Suddenly, we were much-anticipated guests to be greeted excitedly. The roars and cheers from the waiting children and parents were exhilarating; the long-awaited day had finally come. Initially, the children were quiet and composed, watching us with curious gazes—strangers from a distant land.
That stillness broke when the introductions began. Another wave of cheers erupted as we held up the bedkit items. You could feel the anticipation humming in the air; for these children, it was like Christmas morning.
Handing out the kits was a deeply heartwarming experience. When we attempted a “Hello” or “How are you?” in their local language, the children responded with surprised chuckles and wide-eyed wonder, clearly amused by our efforts. But when we finally said, “This is for you,” the long walks and hours of waiting became worth every second. We were met with soft “thank yous” and, often, a respectful genuflect. It was humbling.
Watching the children walk back to their parents, expertly balancing their new belongings on their heads, was a sight to behold.
None of this would have been possible without the Inner Wheel ladies. Their thorough preparation and execution made the joint effort seamless. As they often shouted, we were indeed: “Two teams, one goal. One goal, two teams!” Between their dedication and SCAW’s exemplary planning, it was truly an unforgettable experience.
Team Uganda, 2026
Inner Wheel of Kampala Central 🇺🇬 +SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Uganda, 2026: April 28
OVERSEAS VOLUNTEER PARTNERS
It took this, my first distribution as a travel volunteer, to fully appreciate how vital SCAW's Overseas Partners truly are.
In Uganda we are blessed to work with the wonderful ladies of the Inner Wheel of Kampala. From greeting us at the airport (7 of them at 11:30 pm on a Saturday night), to booking our hotels and our transportation for 12 days, negotiating with suppliers and then organizing 2 supplier factory tours, a pre-distribution meeting, and more, every detail was looked after.
At the 2 distribution sites today, 27 ladies were there to ensure we had all the help we required, including getting the children dressed, keeping them calm while waiting in line for the photos, assisting with the flow of bedkits to the children and then getting them safely back to their parents.
SCAW is very fortunate to have such a wonderful partner to work with in Uganda!
Team Uganda, 2026
Inner Wheel of Kampala Central 🇺🇬 +SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Uganda, 2026: April 27
Today, we had an opportunity to visit two manufacturers in Kampala that produce bedkit items we will be distributing to 4,000 children in northern Uganda.
The first manufacturer we visited, Unique Uniforms, produces back packs, shorts, skirts and t-shirts for the Ugandan bedkits. The owner and her manager took us on a plant tour to see the work processes, the layout of the facility and the automation they have implemented. The plant provided employment to 100 employees and the Inner Wheel proudly provided the statistic that approximately 90% are female.
The second manufacturer we visited was Crestfoam, and this company produces the foam mattresses for the children. This manufacturer also provided our Overseas Volunteer Partners with warehouse space to assemble the bedkits, store them, and transportation services to send the required bedkits to the different distribution centers.
These manufacturers provide clean and safe working conditions for their employees. They also help address the high unemployment rate of 12% for all adults and 18% for young adults. A key theme that we learned was “Buy Uganda, Build Uganda”.
Our focus is to distribute 4,000 bedkits on behalf of Sleeping Children Around the World and to help support local industries that provide meaningful employment in the country. Thank you to our donors for providing Ugandan communities with these things!
Team Uganda, 2026
Inner Wheel of Kampala Central 🇺🇬 +SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Uganda, 2026: April 26
The Canadian team arrived in Uganda to a wonderfully warm welcome from our amazing partners - the Inner Wheel of Kampala Central. After being ushered through immigration by a member of the Inner Wheel, we were greeted by another 6 members. Given that our flight landed close to midnight, we were very touched that so many took the time to be there.
Photo taken at Entebbe airport
This group of women have already demonstrated keen attention to detail with the planning of the distribution, a very strong start to their first solo SCAW project as a newly formed club! We are all excited to get the distributions started.
Team Uganda, 2026
Inner Wheel of Kampala Central 🇺🇬 +SCAW 🇨🇦
SCAW Blog: Belgaum, 2026: February 28
This is a remote distribution led by our OVP, The Rotary Club of Belgaum, and supported remotely by SCAW team leaders and the Overseas Volunteer Coordinator in Canada.
SCAW Bed Kit Distribution – Ramdurg - Day 7 – 28th February 2026 | Community Hall
The Final Chapter of a Journey of Warmth
On 28th February 2026, the compassionate caravan of SCAW reached its final distribution point at Ramdurg — a fitting and fulfilling culmination to a noble journey. At the community hall, beginning at 9:30 am and continuing until 2:00 pm, an atmosphere of anticipation filled the air. Six hundred bedkits — thoughtfully prepared for 300 boys and 300 girls — were distributed in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Ramdurg. From the very beginning, one could sense that this was more than a distribution program — it was a celebration of care.
Teamwork that Touched Hearts
The event was powered by the collective spirit of 25 committed Rotarians of Ramdurg, supported warmly by members of the Inner Wheel Club. Adding strength and structure to the process, eight Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Belgaum travelled to Ramdurg to guide the team with precision and experience. Every bedkit was handed over with dignity. Every smile was acknowledged. A professional photographer ensured that each of the 600 radiant faces was captured — a visual testimony of hope and happiness.
The Children’s Joy
The children’s excitement was unmistakable. Their eyes sparkled at the sight of neatly displayed school bags, pencils, clothes, and essentials. For many, these were not mere items — they were symbols of belonging and possibility. A particularly touching aspect of the event was the inclusion of 10 intellectually disabled children, ensuring that compassion remained inclusive and complete. Their presence deepened the meaning of the day.
Gratitude with Dignity
Perhaps the most moving moments came when parents expressed heartfelt gratitude — not merely for the material support, but for the respect shown in including their children alongside others. There was no distinction, no separation — only equality and empathy.
A Reflection to Carry Forward
Team leader Rtn. Dr. Manisha Herekar beautifully summed up the spirit of the day: “The distribution is a gentle reminder to us of our duty to support the underprivileged children of our society. A small contribution can ease the life of these children.” As the final bedkit was handed over and the last photograph taken, Ramdurg did not feel like the end — it felt like a renewed beginning. Because when service is rendered with sincerity, the impact lasts far beyond the day.
Team Belgaum, 2026
Rotary Club of Belgaum 🇮🇳 + SCAW 🇨🇦 (remote)
SCAW Blog: Belgaum, 2026: February 27
This is a remote distribution led by our OVP, The Rotary Club of Belgaum, and supported remotely by SCAW team leaders and the Overseas Volunteer Coordinator in Canada.
SCAW Bedkit Distribution – Ekal-Ramnagar - Day-5 – 26th February 2026 | Ambedkar Bhavan, Ramnagar
On a pleasant morning that slowly warmed into the afternoon, the community hall at Ambedkar Bhavan transformed into a celebration of care and compassion. From 10:35 AM to 3:00 PM, exuberance filled the air as 1000 bedkits found their way into the eager hands of children.
This meaningful initiative was carried out in partnership with Ekal Abhiyan, whose nearly sixty volunteers stood like a disciplined army—fully geared, flawlessly coordinated, and fabulously committed. Twelve Rotarians of the Rotary Club of Belgaum, led by Rtn. Pramod Agarwal and Rtn. Rajesh Singanmakki, along with trustees Rtn. Dilip Chitnis and Rtn. Dr. Kamalakar Achrekar, worked shoulder to shoulder with fellow Rotarians Jaideep Siddannavar, Dr. Satish Dhamankar, Dr. Rajendra Bhandankar, Kishore Shetty, Kiran Agadi, Dr. Keluskar, Dr. Mahantesh Parande, Vikrant Kudale, and Tushar Patil. The coordination was nothing short of exemplary.
But the true heartbeat of the day was the children.
They waited in assembly, singing devotional songs in unison. When their names were called, they came forward fully excited—eyes sparkling, smiles innocent and wide. Some expressed gratitude with folded hands. A few quietly bent to touch the feet of volunteers while receiving their bedkits. And then came a moment none could forget—after the distribution, the children called Rtn. Dilip Chitnis and the volunteers outside, surrounded them, and shouted in unison at the top of their voices:
“Thank you, Sir!” Not once. But three times.
It was not merely a distribution. It was dignity in action.
In a lighter yet touching moment, our Rotary members—along with Dilip Chitnis—sat like schoolchildren on stools, hands placed obediently on their knees, posing joyfully for a photograph. Service had come full circle.
Reflecting on the day, the team leaders shared that they were deeply moved by the palpable energy, the seamless synchrony of Ekal volunteers, the lush green canopy around the venue, and the radiant smiles of the children. Despite the scale of 1000 distributions, enthusiasm never waned. Indeed, this was more than an event.
It showed us what the world could become —
A world of hope.
A world of healing.
A world of humanity.
Team Belgaum, 2026
Rotary Club of Belgaum 🇮🇳 + SCAW 🇨🇦 (remote)
SCAW Blog: Belgaum, 2026: February 24
This is a remote distribution led by our OVP, The Rotary Club of Belgaum, and supported remotely by SCAW team leaders and the Overseas Volunteer Coordinator in Canada.
SCAW Bed Kit Distribution – Gokak - Day 4, 24th February 2026 | Gokak Suppliers Kalyan Mantap
On a warm February morning, the Community Hall at “Gokak Suppliers Kalyan Mantap” transformed into a celebration of care and compassion. From 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, the festive spirit was unmistakable as 800 bedkits found new homes in eager little hands. This meaningful initiative was powered by seventy-three dedicated Rotarians of the Rotary Club of Gokak, ten committed Inner Wheel members, and twenty enthusiastic students of Bachelor of Social Welfare. The coordination was smooth, the teamwork seamless — service at its finest.
Further, the well-disciplined organization of the team from the Rotary Club of Belgaum was truly flawless. President Rtn. Sandeep and Secretary Rtn. Dr. Santosh led a committed group of fellow Rotarians — Milind Patankar, Ajit Siddannavar, Manuel Carvalho, Raju Potdar, Jaideep Siddannavar, Dr. Gautam, and Umesh Sarnobat — with meticulous planning and impeccable execution.
The most heart-warming sight? Children receiving their bedkits with radiant smiles, clapping in spontaneous excitement. Their laughter filled the hall, turning a simple act of distribution into a moment of pure joy. It was not just about a bedkit — it was about comfort, dignity, and the reassurance that someone cares.
A particularly touching reflection came from team leaders Rtn. Sandeep Naik and Rtn. Dr. Santosh Patil: “This event opened our eyes. With such programs, we see how the whole world could become — a world of hope, a world of healing, a world of humanity.”
Indeed, that day in Gokak was not merely an event. It was a glimpse of that beautiful possibility.
Team Belgaum, 2026
Rotary Club of Belgaum 🇮🇳 + SCAW 🇨🇦 (remote)
SCAW Blog: Belgaum, 2026: February 23
This is a remote distribution led by our OVP, The Rotary Club of Belgaum, and supported remotely by SCAW team leaders and the Overseas Volunteer Coordinator in Canada.
SCAW Bedkit Distribution – Bailhongal – Day - 3, 23rd February 2026
On 23rd February 2026, a day that marks the founding of Rotary International, SCAW celebrated the spirit of service in Bailhongal with the distribution of 500 bedkits. What made the day even more meaningful was the enthusiastic partnership of the Rotarians of Bailhongal and dedicated NCC cadets.
At 10:00 AM, the Community Hall wore a festive look. The pleasant weather seemed to echo the warmth inside, where anticipation and joy filled the air. Under the leadership of Rtn. Shailesh Mangale, an impressive team of Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Belgaum — Rt. Amit Sathe, Rtn. Yashwant Mohta, Aditya Kulkarni, Rt. Manoj Huilgol, Rtn. Om Bhandari, Rtn. Sachin Bichu, Rtn. Sachin Sabnis, Rtn. Dr. Sachin Mahuli, Rtn. Vishal Pattanshetty, Rtn. Prashant Halappannavar, Rtn. Sunish Metrani, Rtn. Nandan, Rtn. Sudarshan and Rtn. Pratap — ensured a smooth, coordinated and hassle-free distribution. The Rotary members of Bailhongal extended wholehearted local support, making teamwork the true highlight of the day.
The most touching moments belonged to the children. Their jubilant smiles said more than words ever could. Some special children stood out — their excitement pure, their joy unfiltered. Many were thrilled about what they were about to receive, perhaps not fully comprehending the value of the items, but fully experiencing the happiness of being cared for. Several family members came forward to take photographs with the team — a simple yet powerful gesture of gratitude and dignity. Reflecting on the event, Team Leader Rtn. Shailesh Mangale shared, “It was indeed delightful to be involved in this program. I am deeply moved by the response of children receiving so many items in the bedkit.”
On Rotary’s founding day, Bailhongal did not just witness distribution — it witnessed compassion in action.
Team Belgaum, 2026
Rotary Club of Belgaum 🇮🇳 + SCAW 🇨🇦 (remote)
SCAW Blog: Belgaum, 2026: February 22
This is a remote distribution led by our OVP, The Rotary Club of Belgaum, and supported remotely by SCAW team leaders and the Overseas Volunteer Coordinator in Canada.
SCAW Bed Kit Distribution – Huballi 22nd February 2026
A Day of Warmth in Hubballi
On 22nd February 2026, SCAW brought its mission of comfort to Hubballi. In collaboration with the Rotary Club of Hubballi, 500 bedkits were distributed — benefiting 250 boys and 250 girls. Held at a local school from 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM, the campus was filled with joyful anticipation. The children eagerly awaited their new school bags, pencils, clothes, and bedkits — each item received with sparkling eyes and happy smiles.
The project was powered by 40 Rotarians and Rotary Anns from the Rotary Club of Hubballi. Supporting them were 12 Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Belgaum — Rtn. Mukund Bang, Shilpa Kodkini, Rtn. Akshay Kulkarni, Rtn. Chetan Pai, Rtn. Ashok Paranjape, Rtn. Madhav Prabhu, Rtn. Anish Metrani, Rtn. Raghav Mohta, Rtn. Nitin Gujar, Niranjan Sant, and Rtn. Manoj Pai — who ensured a smooth and dignified distribution. A professional photographer captured these memorable moments.
Importantly, 20 intellectually disabled children were thoughtfully included. Their parents expressed heartfelt gratitude for this gesture of equality — a deeply moving reminder that compassion must always be inclusive. As Team Leader Rtn. Manisha Herekar reflected: “This distribution at Hubballi was more than an event. It was a reminder that when we uplift the underprivileged with dignity, even a small contribution can bring immense comfort. When a child sleeps peacefully on a bedkit given with love, the warmth travels far beyond the fabric.” SCAW continues its journey — spreading not just comfort, but hope.
Team Belgaum, 2026
Rotary Club of Belgaum 🇮🇳 + SCAW 🇨🇦 (remote)
SCAW Blog: Belgaum, 2026: February 21
This is a remote distribution led by our OVP, The Rotary Club of Belgaum, and supported remotely by SCAW team leaders and the Overseas Volunteer Coordinator in Canada.
SCAW Bed Kit Distribution – Athani 21st February 2026 | Military Extension, Athani
On a warm February morning at 11:00 a.m., the spacious and well-ventilated Community Hall at Military Extension, Athani, transformed into a space of celebration, compassion, and hope. What began as an organized distribution soon blossomed into a festival of smiles. Under the noble banner of SCAW, 600 bedkits were distributed to deserving children — an initiative made possible through the dedicated efforts of the Rotarians of the Rotary Club of Athani, supported by nine committed Rotarians from Rotary Club of Belgaum.
A Hall Filled with Anticipation:
Though summer had just begun and the air carried a hint of warmth, the children were comfortably assembled in a shaded and airy hall. The mood was unmistakably festive. There was a hum of excitement, whispers of curiosity, and an energy that could not be contained.
The Power of Teamwork:
Coordination throughout the program was seamless. Rotarians from Athani worked hand in hand with the visiting team from Belgaum consisting of Rtn. Mahesh Birangi, Rtn. Ashok Pai, Rtn. Dr. Mahantesh, Rtn. Ladwin, Rtn. Aditya Kulkarni, Rtn. Col.Hegde. The added support of the SCAW trustees of Belgaum Rtn. Dilip Chitnis, Rtn. Sanjay Kulkarni and Rtn. Niranjan Sant was more inspiring, intrinsic and instructive. The spirit was not merely of distribution — it was of collaboration. Collective effort, cohesive planning, and shared purpose ensured that every one of the 600 children received their bed kit with dignity and joy.
The Smiles That Matter Most:
And then came the most unforgettable part. The children’s reactions. Their eyes sparkled with excitement. Their smiles were genuine and heart-warming. Particularly unforgettable were the smiles of the young girls — radiant, shy, yet filled with pride. In that moment, the true impact of the initiative became visible. The energy in the hall, coupled with those innocent smiles, created a golden moment — one that words can describe but only the heart can fully feel.
A Leader’s Reflection:
Rtn. Amit Sathaye, who led the team, shared a deeply moving reflection: “The exalted program of bedkit distribution under the patronage of SCAW was kickstarted with me going as the first team leader. Initially, there was unavoidable anxiety because of the glaring absence of volunteers from SCAW, Canada. I recollected my commitment to keep the faith reposed in Rotary Club of Belgaum by the SCAW team. It was my duty to thank all my team members for collective, cohesive and collaborative work to make this distribution successful. I admit that it was a great learning experience!” His words remind us that service is not just about execution — it is about responsibility, trust, and growth.
More Than a Bed Kit:
Each child was photographed proudly holding a donor placard — not as a token, but as a testimony. A group photo with all Rotarians captured the spirit of unity behind the mission.
But beyond photographs and numbers, this distribution stood for something deeper:
A bed kit is not just a bundle of essentials.
It is comfort.
It is dignity.
It is a silent assurance to a child that someone, somewhere, cares.
As the hall slowly emptied and the echoes of laughter faded, one thing remained certain — kindness had once again found direction. And in those 600 smiles, hope slept a little more peacefully that night.
Team Belgaum, 2026
Rotary Club of Belgaum 🇮🇳 + SCAW 🇨🇦 (remote)