A Successful First Distribution
We left the chaos of Pune city traffic and drove three hours on curving mountain roads lined with wildflowers and the lush Satara forest. This area was chosen for a distribution because the region had experienced devastating floods during historic monsoon rains in June and there was a great need for the items in the bedkits.
We travelled through an agricultural area where the sugar cane harvest was in progress before arriving at the community centre for our first distribution at Koregaon in the district of Satara.
We were greeted by a band of drummers and horns and members of the local Rotarian club. It was an emotional experience as 700 children, their parents, grandparents and teachers welcomed us with cheers and clapping. Following a brief cultural ceremony the SCAW team presented the items in the bedkit.
The children cheered loudest for the warm hoodie, the fleece blanket and the raincoat. That told us that our Overseas Volunteer Partner, the Rotary Club of Pune Cantonement, truly identified and met the specific needs of their community.
Our first distribution day went smoothly, and our SCAW team of two were so appreciative of the experience and hard work of all the Rotarian volunteers. Afterwards the local Rotarians graciously hosted us for a traditional lunch, so delicious!
We hope that all 709 children will sleep better tonight and be prepared for the cold winter nights and next year’s monsoon season.
Team Pune, 2025
Rotary Club of Pune Cantonment 🇮🇳 + SCAW 🇨🇦