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)