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)