Belgaum: 401 bedkits in Bailhongal
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| From Belgaum 2009 Photo Album |
Up again early, with the call to prayer , the barking dogs, and dawn. Had a delightful two-hour drive into rural India and a small community (by Indian standards) called Bailhongal. On the way we were much impressed by streams of children and women carrying water or heading for a water pump. It is a humbling reminder of how much we North Americans take ample clean water for granted.
On our arrival the Rotarians were quick to feed us breakfast and we were delighted to see how equally quick they were to feed the children. This group of children were delightful: full of smiles and eager to shake our hands.
We had lots of help, with more than 70 youth volunteers. As always we left with warm memories of friendly Rotarians and happy appreciative children.
After the distribution we drove for a couple of hours through more interesting country scenes to Hubli, where we are now centered for the next three days.
The Belgaum Team
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Chennai: A worthy job
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| From Chennai Photo Album 2009 |
The children here had missed our initial Port Blair Distribution because of a mix up in schedules and bus availability. They were a particularly joyous groups, full of broad smiles and bodies full of energy. It was a fitting end to a most memorable experience for all of us.
Although exhausted from the many adventures we had experienced, it was time for reflect upon some of the most poignant memories during our trip:
- The single mother, whose husband had died of cancer, leaving her with three children to bring up ... while working at the most menial of jobs ... in a stone quarry. Oh what courage and determination.
- The young boy whose both feet were turned in (club feet). That didn’t stop him from keeping up with his peers as he hobbled along in sandals ... just one of the gang.
- The gaiety and effusive joy of the girls at a Girls School in Nellore who prepared for our arrival one month in advance, showing off with pride their crafts, herbal gardening, school study projects, different religions reflected in the School, their knowledge, baking and cooking, etc.
- The smallness in many of the children who vastly under portrayed their ages due to malnutrition.
- Listening to our hosts on the Andaman’s describe their memories of the 2004 Earthquake and following Tsunami ... especially the disastrously heavy tolls taken in their neighbouring sister Islands in the Nicobars, located south of them.
- The skills and hard work by the many India Volunteers we met everywhere during our trip ... trying to better the lot of those in need through education and life skills.
- And the unswerving friendship and dedication of the members of the Rotary Club and Ambattur whose support made the success of this trip possible.
Our Team thanks you for your support and prayers.
Respectfully submitted
Tom Belton, Team Leader
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Belgaum: 399 bedkits at Athani
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| From Belgaum 2009 Photo Album |
We arrived in Athani, day three of our distribution, to be greeted by a wonderful welcoming ceremony, the first of several surprises to greet us. First, the Rotarian wives put kunkum, a red powder, on our foreheads and then we were presented with a beautiful bouquet of flowers. As we walked to our site, all the children who had been waiting for over an hour for us started clapping. It was a most gracious welcome.
Our next surprise happened with our very first group, who were physically and mentally disabled ... some severely. As Duncan was getting ready to take their photographs, one of the little boys jumped up and reached for the ball which was part of the display ... a perfect example of the excitement the children were feeling.
As usually happens on a distribution, there were a couple of quiet times when numbers were being counted. At these times, we spent time with the children, doing magic tricks and singing songs. Twice today we sang with them clapping hands and stamping feet and, to our amazement, twice they sang back to us, in their own language, with their beautiful voices, which were sure better than ours.
Finally, our last surprise occurred as Duncan was all set to take a picture of three children. All was ready when a mother pig and her pigglet walked in front of the display, causing great screams of laughter by everyone. A wonderful diversion.
And, yes, the distribution went well, but at the end of the day, it was these unexpected treasured memories that will stay with us for a long time.
The Belgaum Team
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Pune: They're on their way
We received this message from our Pune, India distribution team as they gathered at Toronto airport."This is a picture of ten of the fourteen members of the Dryden/Burton team. The rest join us in London. We are on our way!!"
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Belgaum: 350 bedkits in Chickodi
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| From Belgaum 2009 Photo Album |
The Belgaum Rotarians guided the Chickodi Rotarians from the time they were chosen as a site until the end of a very successful distribution. It would not have flowed so well without the help of the female students from the Commerce College and Phys Ed College and the male Rotaractors.
Again the games, songs, and magic tricks from us did not fail to amuse these special children who need our help so badly. They were so happy in their fresh, new clothes and anticipated with excitment having their pictures taken.
As new volunteers, Carol and Doris truly understood why we were here.
"Hasa" means smile and smile they did, all 350 of them!
The Belgaum Team
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Belgaum: One thousand bedkits in one day
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| From Belgaum 2009 Photo Album |
With the Rotarians' excellent organization and the help of a terrific group of army cadets our initial distribution of one thousand bedkits went very smoothly.
The children waited patiently in the hot sun but were very pleased with and looked very smart in their new clothes.
there were many touching moments with lovely groups of truly charming children. It was certainly a very rewarding and satisfying day for everyone.
We look forward to an early start and another great day tomorrow.
We are sending the photo of Brian after handing out the bedkit to this young man. Who is happier, Brian or the young fella?
The Belgaum Team
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Chennai: 200 bedkits in Havelock
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| From Chennai Photo Album 2009 |
We had a short distribution this morning of 200 bedkits in this island called "Havelock" in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal. Six local schools took part in this very first distribution on these beautiful islands that suffered greatly at the time of the tsunami. The distribution went well and 200 children went home very happily.
We hope they had a swim in the clear azure waters of the Bay of Bengal.
Kristein Johnson
for Team Chennai 2009
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Chennai: 508 bedkits in the Andaman Islands
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| From Chennai Photo Album 2009 |
Yesterday, we did a "slumber kit" distribution of 508 kits. At the opening ceremony, the Administrator of the Andamans, who reports directly to the federal government in Delhi, spoke, and was accompanied by his education minister. Both the Ambattur and local Rotary Club representative spoke as well; the latter did the organization of the distribution in Port Blair. Tamil, Telugu and English were spoken, and of course, Hindi is the official language. Then Tom made a brief presentation of SCAW, and introduced our team, we all sat on the podium with the parents, children, and teachers in the audience. The distribution went very smoothly with assistance from high school students and some university students. The university boys were keen on peppering us with questions about Canada.
Local Rotary members, took a keen interest in the bedkit, when we laid it out for the photo sessions – this was the first time that they participated in the SCAW program. One member offered that we should have a water bottle in the kit, apparently, the government is trying to educate people on the significance of use of clean water for drinking and he thought that a water jug would be a good beginning for the children.
Later in the day, we visited the Cellular Jail, used by the British colonials to fetter the Indian freedom fighters, a dark age for the Andamans – the Island became a penal colony in the late 1800's and evolved into a national historic site in 1966. We came back the same night to see a light and sound show at the prison and learned more about the history of the Island and British rule. Later that night we had a joint meeting with the local Rotary Club, who seem to be very interested in continuing the relationship with SCAW.
As always, the real satisfaction was from the distribution and the anticipation in the kids' eyes receiving the "slumber kits".
Andy Greiner
for Team Chennai 2009
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Mumbai: Number 22, the final distribution
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| From Mumbai 2009 Photo Album |
At the end of this, our final distribution, we were treated to a lunch at the country home of one of the Rotarians. We relaxed in the shade and enjoyed cold drinks.
The past two evenings, much to our delight, we had the pleasure of meeting up with Duncan McGregor and his team, en route to their distribution in India. It was great to have two separate teams (twelve SCAW members) dining together overseas! (See photo in the Belgaum report below.)
We are now wrapping up all of our loose ends and looking forward to the journey home!
Happy Valentine's Day and looking forward to seeing you all soon!
The Mumbai 2009 Team
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Belgaum: The team is in India
The last two days have been a wonderful start to our distribution in Belgaum.
After arriving in Mumbai safely in the early hours of the morning on February 13th (we left Toronto at 6:30 p.m. on the 11th), we made a trip into the centre of Mumbai and saw the Gateway of India and the famous Taj Mahal Palace and Tower complex. But the most interesting thing that happened on the 13th was our meeting up with the SCAW Mumbai Team which happened to be staying in the same location as the Belgaum Team and which also had a "day off" from their distribution in Mumbai.
SCAW travelling volunteers are: (Left to right) Back row: Doug Cunningham, Carol Poirier, Vic Wilbee, Doris Alexander, Brian Tuddenham, Pat Tuddenham, Duncan Macgregor, Grace Wood. Front row: JoAnn Moysey, Lisa Remillard, Lynette Jenkins, Sarah Axelson. (Click on photo to see a larger version.)
We are not sure if history was made when the two SCAW teams met and had dinner together. It was a grrrreat event and a memory that will be treasured. Valentine's Day was spent making a tour of Mumbai - another truly memorable experience!
To-morrow, the Belgaum Team heads to the airport for our trip to the Belgaum area where we will meet up with our Partners from The Rotary Club of Belgaum. Our next report will tell you about our "baptism by fire" - 1,000 bedkits to be distributed in Belgaum on our first day of the 4,000 bedkit distribution!
"Happy Valentine's" to all our friends and families.
The Belgaum Team
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Mumbai: Distributions 14 to 21
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| From Mumbai 2009 Photo Album |
We then stayed the night and were up bright and early to get on our way to Borivali and give out 350 more bed kits. We were greeted by a group of girls and boys playing the ledgeums- another wonderful welcome.
At Dahanu we were invited into a typical village home to see what life is really like for the children from this area. The house was made of cow dung, straw and sticks, with no electricity or windows to provide light. It was an eye opener for all of us to see.
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| From Mumbai 2009 Photo Album |
A very busy few days with many hours spent in the car.
The Mumbai 2009 Team
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Chennai: 525 bedkits & the Murray Dryden scholarship
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| From Chennai Photo Album 2009 |
The day started with a short trip to the Ambattur Rotary Club sponsored school in Chennai. This is a school that has increased over the past number of years from a small, thatch-roofed building to become a multi-story, fully-equipped school for grades 1 to 10. We distributed 525 bedkits to needy children who were bussed in from neighbouring schools.
When the distribution was complete, ten children (two each from grades 6 through 10) were introduced to us, and we were given the honour of presenting them with the "Murray Dryden" scholarship for academic achievement. This is the fourth year this scholarship has been handed out at this school, in memory of Murray. The scholarship, consisting of the interest from a fund set aside by the Rotary Club, was sufficient money to pay for a year of school for each of the children.
We were then taken to the Rotary Club hospital, where we had a tour of a hospital, specially built by the Rotary Club in the centre of a large industrial area to handle many industrial accidents. (There are also wings for Cerebral Palsy, Eye surgery, and Kidney Dialysis.) Two more scholarships were handed out to children of the hospital staff.
Murray Dryden's legacy continues.
Jeff McDougall
for Team Chennai 2009
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Belgaum: They're on their way
Here is the fourth team leaving for India this year. The Belgaum team's photo was taken as they were ready to take off from the Toronto Airport.
The SCAW Team consists of (Left to right): Pat Tuddenham, Brian Tuddenham, Carol Poirier, Duncan Macgregor (Team Leader), JoAnn Moysey, and Doris Alexander.Leave your comments here.
The Team will fly to London and then on to Mumbai where we will actually meet up with the Mumbai team for a day. Our distribution does not start until February 16th so we will have a few days in Mumbai to get our "sea legs."
Our next message will come from Mumbai!
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Chennai: The Rotary Club of Ambattur
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| From Chennai Photo Album 2009 |
This year was no exception.
It is a semi formal affair conducted under recognized rules of Order for such "celebrations". Rotarians from some the many local Clubs were invited along with the Ambattur Club, to attend. For our part, the Team entered dressed in traditional Indian dress (please see attached photo). We were resplendent in our attire, with the women Members wearing "Sarees", while the men wore the traditional male "dhodhies" apparel.
The Headtable welcomed the Club Secretary; Thiru the Rotarian who first brought the SCAW Program to Ambattur in 1986, The Team Leader, The Club President Sumathi Vincent, The Governor Elect of the Rotary District, and the head of a visiting Rotary delegation from Brazil on a Rotary exchange.
On behalf of Sleeping Children Around the World, the Team Leader invited the Club President Sumathi, Thiru, Alban Rebello the Coordinator of the SCAW trip, and Ravishankar, Distribution Organizer, to the Head Table. The Team Leader presented a framed letter from the Board of Directors of SCAW, recognizing the 23 years of able assistance, generously given by the Ambattur Rotary Club, helping SCAW to achieve the One Millionth BedKit milestone this year.This jesture was very well received by all in attendance.
The Team Leader added in his remarks that we brought on behalf of all Donours "the Blessing of Love, the Joy of Kindness, and the Hand of Friendship" to all Indians, especially the children who received BedKits on behalf of all donours. All involved can take justifiable pride and deep satisfaction in the knowledge that we collectively played a vital roll in bettering the lives of those children in Need that we touched.
Each Team Member added their own personal remarks about how much they enjoyed their visit to India; the unselfish devotion to service by all the Rotary Clubs that participated; and for their overwhelming hospitality shown to each and everyone of us.
We are much indebted to those donours for putting your trust and faith in our Team to carry out this wonderful human event on your behalf.
Respectfully submitted
Tom Belton
for Team Chennai 2009
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Mumbai: Distribution 7
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| From Mumbai 2009 Photo Album |
The distribution site was held at a factory of a Rotarian member. He has 25 employees who had packed and sorted the kits for two days and helped with the distribution. The remainder of the day they were given off. We gave out 350 bed kits to children from approximately seven schools from the neighbouring villages. All went smoothly.
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| From Mumbai 2009 Photo Album |
A perfect end to a great day.
The Mumbai 2009 Team
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Chennai: 350 children in Sivakasi
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| From Chennai Photo Album 2009 |
After that we had free time until 6pm when we were to attend a fireworks show.
So – the free time! Some of us spent time swimming in the hotel pool where, for the first time since our arrival in India, our body temperatures dipped to "cool." That was great.
After the swim, it seemed normal to meander through the town. First, as one of us is a volunteer firefighter, we went to the fire hall near the hotel. That led us to an alley where one beautiful woman (wearing a dress we both thought we could wear happily at home) was laying out what looked to be straws, in the sunlight. Another woman accompanied by a small throng of children took the position of spokesperson – and though our Tamil is nil – we learned that they were part of a cottage industry for the fireworks plant in that town. They were using recycled paper, rolling it (another woman sitting splay legged in the vestibule of her company apartment was rolling them by hand faster than fast) and our lovely dressed woman glued the cylinders and dried them in the sun.
By this time, people were hanging out the windows above our rendezvous point, laughing, and trying too, to explain everything to us. One man came downstairs with a bundle of 1000 of these cylinders and we learned that they would be filled with an explosive and used to ignite a firecracker.
That night, we saw two fireworks shows: one was a nightly show that occurs every night for six months to try out new firecrackers; the other was at a Rotary meeting place in the country, put on just for us by the Ambattur Rotarians.
It just is so good. All of it!
Mary-Jo Lang
for Team Chennai 2009
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Chennai: Ninth Distribution for 2009
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| From Chennai Photo Album 2009 |
We were assisted in the distribution by eager enthusiastic teenage volunteers from Seetha Kingston School, all of whom spoke English very well as classes at the school are held in English, with a second language of French. What I found interesting was that English is the common language in the school as the students speak several different Indian languages at home.
Following our distribution we headed off to do some souvenir shopping in one of the largest fabric stores I've ever seen. Time and traffic permitted only one other "shopping" stop before we collected our bags for our overnight train trip to Sivakasi and a wonderful chance to see another part of South India.
Kathy Greiner
for Team Chennai 2009
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