Chennai: Mission Accomplished
I am pleased to confirm that the Chennai Trip and Distribution concluded yesterday with the distribution of 200 bedkits in a small Island community of Baratang Island. This brings to a conclusion a most successful trip for all of us. Our team sincerely hopes that our many blog readers have enjoyed experiencing our trip as much as each of us has in bringing it to you. The experiences we had over the last two plus weeks have been varied and many. The fact that 6,400 needy children now have a comfortable place to sleep brings a sense of deep satisfaction and pride to all of us.
The volunteers on this trip -- and on all Sleeping Children trips for that matter -- work extremely hard to accomplish our goals: to bring bedkits to those most in need. We experience all the emotional feelings when we meet and greet our needy friends. We go through extreme conditions for a prolonged period of time during these trips: almost unbearable heat, high humidity, long hours, early mornings, some sleepless nights, new diets and foods, rumbling bus rides, horrific roads, wonderful countrysides, boats and ferries teaming with people, and always a touch of danger and wonderment.
Hats off to our team of dedicated volunteers on this trip and all other SCAW trips who always do their very best to accomplish the goals of representing SCAW and our donors.
"Long Live Murray's Dream."
Tom Belton
for Team Chennai
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The volunteers on this trip -- and on all Sleeping Children trips for that matter -- work extremely hard to accomplish our goals: to bring bedkits to those most in need. We experience all the emotional feelings when we meet and greet our needy friends. We go through extreme conditions for a prolonged period of time during these trips: almost unbearable heat, high humidity, long hours, early mornings, some sleepless nights, new diets and foods, rumbling bus rides, horrific roads, wonderful countrysides, boats and ferries teaming with people, and always a touch of danger and wonderment.
Hats off to our team of dedicated volunteers on this trip and all other SCAW trips who always do their very best to accomplish the goals of representing SCAW and our donors.
"Long Live Murray's Dream."
Tom Belton
for Team Chennai
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Mumbai: Two days in the country
On Day 8 and Day 9, the Sleeping Children 2010 Mumbai Team is in a remote area delivering bedkits. We do not have email connections. We will give an update when we return to Mumbai on Day 10. Do watch for our news.
The distributions are going well
Richard Poth
for Team Mumbai 2010
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The distributions are going well
Richard Poth
for Team Mumbai 2010
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Belgaum: Bailhongal
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| From Belgaum Photos 2010 |
"Ee doo mee mah gah ghee" is the phonetically pronounced version of "This is for you" in the Kannada dialect. This phrase was mispronounced and generally mangled 501 times as the boys and girls received their bedkits at the Bailhongal distribution yesterday. Some children looked a bit bewildered at the fractured use of their language, but it was apparent that others understood. One girl's eyes grew big and she had a huge smile on her face as the words sunk in and she looked at the size of the bedkit bag.
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| From Belgaum Photos 2010 |
With the 501 bedkits distributed in Bailhongal, this brings the total to 2,100 with another 1,900 to go.
Today we're off to Ranebennur for our next distribution.
Team Belgaum 2010
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Mumbai: Palgar and Boiser
Day 8
We left Mumbai early in the morning for a 3-hour drive to our next destination of Palgar.
They say India is a country of villages and it is so true. We drove through village to village, dodging cows, ox carts, trucks, autorickshaws, bicycles, mortorcyles and other cars to give out our 125 bedkits.
As we drove we could see gorgeous mountains in the distance.
When we arrived at Palgar, we set up and were merrily giving out the bedkits and all at once a cow came strolling through the distribution.
We then drove to a village called Boiser for another distribution of 125 bedkits.
Both of these distributions went smoothly and to very deserving children.
Since we were 150 km from Mumbai we stayed overnight at a hotel in Dahane. To our delight, it was across from a beach on the Arabian Sea. It was not a beach to swim at but it certainly was a nice change from the noise and pollution of Mumbai.
We have now distributed over 3,000 bedkits.
Thank you donors.
Joyce Poth
for Team Mumbai 2010
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We left Mumbai early in the morning for a 3-hour drive to our next destination of Palgar.
They say India is a country of villages and it is so true. We drove through village to village, dodging cows, ox carts, trucks, autorickshaws, bicycles, mortorcyles and other cars to give out our 125 bedkits.
As we drove we could see gorgeous mountains in the distance.
When we arrived at Palgar, we set up and were merrily giving out the bedkits and all at once a cow came strolling through the distribution.
We then drove to a village called Boiser for another distribution of 125 bedkits.
Both of these distributions went smoothly and to very deserving children.
Since we were 150 km from Mumbai we stayed overnight at a hotel in Dahane. To our delight, it was across from a beach on the Arabian Sea. It was not a beach to swim at but it certainly was a nice change from the noise and pollution of Mumbai.
We have now distributed over 3,000 bedkits.
Thank you donors.
Joyce Poth
for Team Mumbai 2010
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Pune: A Valentines Day distribution
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| From Pune 2010 Photos |
When we awoke in the morning and read the newspaper headlines we were reassured when Aloysius Pereira, the leader of the SCAW Rotary Project visited us at our hotel. Aloysius had already received a call from Linda Webb and had informed her that our team was in no way affected by the bombing. We talked with Aloysius and all agreed to continue with our scheduled distribution at a site west of Pune.
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| From Pune 2010 Photos |
We have marvelled at the unity of purpose that exists amongst the different volunteer groups at each site. Rotarians, community elders, school officials, teachers, local youth that turn out to help, all pitching in with a common purpose to help the children in their communities. After giving out another 978 bedkits we were all tired but inspired. We just felt lucky to be spending our Valentines Day in this way.
After the last bedkit was given out we were asked to join the community in a "home-cooked" meal. It was heartwarming and humbling to be treated so kindly by people willing to share what little they have.
Tomorrow we travel further into the countryside but have fewer (493) bedkits to deliver. We're sure that it will be as inspiring as today.
Dave Dryden
for Team Pune 2010
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Mumbai: Thane and Mulund
Day 7
Today is Sunday and traffic is light. We arrived at Thane early. We set up and waited for the children. They were sponsored by eight different Rotary Clubs. Total distribution was 300 children. Some were deaf and mute. It was wonderful to see their faces when they received their back packs and the large bag. There was a large crowd of parents, Rotary members, and just onlookers.
The host club treated us to lunch at an international restaurant. We saw "potatoe fingers" on the menu and discovered that is French fries. Of course we had to order some of them. It is interesting to sit down with Rotary members and discover the work they are doing.
The second distribution was at Mulund. This was held behind some large apartment buildings at a small school. They had erected a huge canopy to shelter the children and the distribution workers from the sun. They prepared a huge welcome with drummers and young girls dressed in beautiful saris. They performed a traditional welcome dance. After a brief formal ceremony we went to work delivering about 85 bedkits.
I was responsible for several interviews with parents. They were very appreciative of the gifts. They in particular were pleased to have the mosquito net. This group all mentioned malaria as a concern. Another rewarding day for the team and 400 happy children and families.
Thank you donors for your support.
Submitted by Russ Hope
for Mumbai 2010 Team
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Today is Sunday and traffic is light. We arrived at Thane early. We set up and waited for the children. They were sponsored by eight different Rotary Clubs. Total distribution was 300 children. Some were deaf and mute. It was wonderful to see their faces when they received their back packs and the large bag. There was a large crowd of parents, Rotary members, and just onlookers.
The host club treated us to lunch at an international restaurant. We saw "potatoe fingers" on the menu and discovered that is French fries. Of course we had to order some of them. It is interesting to sit down with Rotary members and discover the work they are doing.
The second distribution was at Mulund. This was held behind some large apartment buildings at a small school. They had erected a huge canopy to shelter the children and the distribution workers from the sun. They prepared a huge welcome with drummers and young girls dressed in beautiful saris. They performed a traditional welcome dance. After a brief formal ceremony we went to work delivering about 85 bedkits.
I was responsible for several interviews with parents. They were very appreciative of the gifts. They in particular were pleased to have the mosquito net. This group all mentioned malaria as a concern. Another rewarding day for the team and 400 happy children and families.
Thank you donors for your support.
Submitted by Russ Hope
for Mumbai 2010 Team
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Belgaum: A day off
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| From Belgaum Photos 2010 |
Today was our day off -- no distribution of bedkits -- but our Rotary partners had arranged for us to visit two "factories" in Belgaum where the clothing included in the bedkit is made. We were pleased to see that the "factories" are in fact family-run cottage industries providing employment for dozens of people.
Our first stop was to a small shop where the shirts, shorts, and frocks are produced. The quality of the fabric that is used in making these items is very good and the clothing included in the bedkit is well-made, durable, and attractive. It takes this cottage industry four months to complete the Sleeping Children order. The children look wonderful in their new clothes and their smiles attest to the fact that they are very happy with their new look! David and Duncan couldn't resist being measured for tunics that will be ready for them in less than 24 hours!
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| From Belgaum Photos 2010 |
The Sleeping Children team thinks that the quality of the items in the Belgaum bedkit is very good and the three parents that were interviewed during the Chikodi distribution on Saturday agree. They are very pleased with the bedkits and are grateful to the donors for this gift.
Tomorrow, we are back to "work" and will distribute 500 bedkits. We can't wait!
Judy Skelton on behalf of
The Belgaum Team.
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Chennai: Baratang
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| From Chennai Photos 2010 |
This was our smallest number: 236. Our setup was quickly done, so we began with the children present and continued as they arrived by bus. It was my pleasure to sit with a beautiful, patient, and polite child as she waited for seven more children to arrive for the giving of our final eight bedkits.
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| From Chennai Photos 2010 |
Thank you Sleeping Children for giving me the opportunity and thank you to all the wonderful Indian people who made our task as easy and rewarding as they could.
Patsy Leamon
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Pune: All is well
Pune |
It is Saturday evening and we have just returned from Andgaon, the site of our first Pune distribution. 1050 children received bedkits today thanks to the generosity of SCAW donors.
All of the Canadian volunteers were struck by these Indian children. It was a hot day (28° C) and there were delays, but they waited with a patience unexpected in children so young.
We were also struck by the spirit of our Indian counterparts, the Rotary Club of Pune Cantonment. We had met with them last night for a dinner meeting and found them interesting, delightful, full of ideas and opinions, and all with a genuine appreciation for each other. They have worked for a year on this Sleeping Children project and are happy to be seeing it through to its conclusion. They have worked hard for the 4000 children who by the end of next week will have received a bedkit.
It was a pleasure to work alongside the Rotarians, community members, and teachers from the local schools who are all determined to make the day a success for the children.
It was great to see the giddy pleasure of the children as they almost danced from the site carrying their bedkits and wearing their new school uniforms and wonderful new shoes.
Mary Jo Lang
for Team Pune 2010
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Belgaum: Chikodi
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| From Belgaum Photos 2010 |
We were warmly greeted by enthusiastic cheering from the already assembled children, parents, Rotary club members, and other local volunteers. We were presented with a garland of yellow flowers to drape around our neck. A bindi (red dot) was placed on our forehead and a blessing was bestowed on us. Six girls were standing on the stairsteps holding a sign with our individual names on it. We sure felt very welcome.
After the setup, the distribution process began in an orderly and efficient manner. This would not be possible without the crew of volunteer help organized by the Rotary club.
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| From Belgaum Photos 2010 |
Thanks to all our donors 350 children in the Chikodi area will have sweet dreams tonight.
Anne Andrew
for Team Belgaum 2010
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Mumbai: More moving moments
Distribution Day 6
Once again with the help of our Canadian donors we have made another group of children very happy today!! We started out this morning in the gymnasium of our hotel with a smaller group of 150 children, some of whom were deaf and blind.
My job today was getting the children all lined up and checked for their picture! Faith and I were setting them up for their picture and they were all smiles right from the start of their arrival. They were so very excited and so well-behaved. I have been so impressed all week by how these children are so well-behaved and very patient at waiting for their turn throughout the process from arriving, to dressing in their new clothes, to waiting for their picture to be taken, to the final receiving of their gift from Canada!!
We were then off to the next site: Andheri. We arrived to 225 smiling faces and another eager group of Rotarians ready to help us out. They had all the kids well-organized and ready to go!
I had three young boys that were next to go for their pictures and as they were walking up to me they were all smiles and asked me for my autograph! I laughed and they were so serious pointing at their hands and repeating, "Autograph. Autograph."
And I thought, "I can't disappoint them," so I signed their hands!! LOL!! It brings a smile to my face just thinking of their innocent faces staring up at me smiling away after I signed their hand!!
Parents, Children, and the Rotarians can not thank us enough for helping them out. It is truly an amazing feeling!
Julie Merkley
Mumbai Team 2010
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Once again with the help of our Canadian donors we have made another group of children very happy today!! We started out this morning in the gymnasium of our hotel with a smaller group of 150 children, some of whom were deaf and blind.
My job today was getting the children all lined up and checked for their picture! Faith and I were setting them up for their picture and they were all smiles right from the start of their arrival. They were so very excited and so well-behaved. I have been so impressed all week by how these children are so well-behaved and very patient at waiting for their turn throughout the process from arriving, to dressing in their new clothes, to waiting for their picture to be taken, to the final receiving of their gift from Canada!!
We were then off to the next site: Andheri. We arrived to 225 smiling faces and another eager group of Rotarians ready to help us out. They had all the kids well-organized and ready to go!
I had three young boys that were next to go for their pictures and as they were walking up to me they were all smiles and asked me for my autograph! I laughed and they were so serious pointing at their hands and repeating, "Autograph. Autograph."
And I thought, "I can't disappoint them," so I signed their hands!! LOL!! It brings a smile to my face just thinking of their innocent faces staring up at me smiling away after I signed their hand!!
Parents, Children, and the Rotarians can not thank us enough for helping them out. It is truly an amazing feeling!
Julie Merkley
Mumbai Team 2010
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Belgaum: Second distribution day
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| From Belgaum Photos 2010 |
Today, we gave out 1000 bedkits ... it sounded like a daunting task. On arrival ,the street in front of the area was packed with parents so this had to be cleared to allow us to get in. We had an amazing greeting from 1000 children, waving and smiling at us.
The Rotarians are very organized, so the flow of processing the children was very functional. In the afternoon I had the "job" of helping to hand out the bedkits. I found this a very emotional experience, since I was being personally thanked with grateful smiles and beautiful eyes.
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| From Belgaum Photos 2010 |
Namaste.
Suzanne Andrew,
On behalf of Team Belgaum 2010
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Mumbai: Domivali
We have just returned from Domivali where we distributed 370 bedkits. Today is the national holiday in honour of Lord Shiva, so the traffic was less hectic.
There were ten Rotary clubs responsible for selecting the children and arranging for this distribution. It was held in a park-like setting where the main Rotary club meets each week.
Since this was a holiday, many parents were able to come and watch and the beautiful colour of the saris added to the peaceful setting.
After the children had had their pictures taken, they were to come to me to receive their bedkit and have a "smiley face" marked on the thumb of their right hand. This was to make sure each child received only one bedkit.
Often they weren't sure where to go next and so I waved to them and all at once, I would have several running towards me with excited faces. Some were in barefeet, some in flip flops, and some in shoes too big as they had borrowed them or worn their parent's shoes.
As I held each hand to make the "smiley face," I noticed one little boy with two thumbs and four fingers and another one with only two fingers on his hand. As I handed them their bedkit, I tried to make eye contact with each child and often saw a bewildered look turn to a happy smile as they finally understood that the big white bag was theirs to take home.
I always said "This gift is from Canada, with love," as I gave them the bedkit. Most of them had learned to say "Thank you" in English or would shake my hand, or give me the biggest, widest smile ever.
As I saw the parents and children leave carrying their bedkits, I waved and they waved back. I wish all you donors could have seen the waves and smiles and felt what I did. I think they all had just experienced a day they will remember that someone in Canada loves them.
Joyce Poth
for Team Mumbai 2010
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There were ten Rotary clubs responsible for selecting the children and arranging for this distribution. It was held in a park-like setting where the main Rotary club meets each week.
Since this was a holiday, many parents were able to come and watch and the beautiful colour of the saris added to the peaceful setting.
After the children had had their pictures taken, they were to come to me to receive their bedkit and have a "smiley face" marked on the thumb of their right hand. This was to make sure each child received only one bedkit.
Often they weren't sure where to go next and so I waved to them and all at once, I would have several running towards me with excited faces. Some were in barefeet, some in flip flops, and some in shoes too big as they had borrowed them or worn their parent's shoes.
As I held each hand to make the "smiley face," I noticed one little boy with two thumbs and four fingers and another one with only two fingers on his hand. As I handed them their bedkit, I tried to make eye contact with each child and often saw a bewildered look turn to a happy smile as they finally understood that the big white bag was theirs to take home.
I always said "This gift is from Canada, with love," as I gave them the bedkit. Most of them had learned to say "Thank you" in English or would shake my hand, or give me the biggest, widest smile ever.
As I saw the parents and children leave carrying their bedkits, I waved and they waved back. I wish all you donors could have seen the waves and smiles and felt what I did. I think they all had just experienced a day they will remember that someone in Canada loves them.
Joyce Poth
for Team Mumbai 2010
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Belgaum: Athani
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| From Belgaum Photos 2010 |
When we arrived in this rural village this morning we were greeted by a gallery full of children smiling and waving and 250 bags containing bedkits were laid out on the floor of the main room.
Soon afterwards the youngsters were in their new outfits - beautiful coloured frocks for the girls and crisp shirts and shorts for the boys. They thought our puppets and Duncan's magic tricks were pretty silly, so there was lots of laughter.
The Belgaum Rotarians and the Rotarians and Inner Wheel from Athani kept things running smoothly, and everyone went home happy.
Belgaum Team 2010
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Chennai: Port Blair, Andaman Islands, India
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| From Chennai Photos 2010 |
All the children were inside a large hall at the school and we started off with a welcome ceremony attended by a high government official, the deputy commissioner for the area. We were met with rousing applause and hundreds of small waving hands and arms.
It’s hard to believe this is opening day for the Winter Olympics back in Canada. Even the thought of snowy hills and sub-zero temperatures didn’t help to reduce the sauna-like heat as we moved the kids through the photo area.
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| From Chennai Photos 2010 |
Knowing how hot it was and how we were looking forward to cold drinks and air conditioning, I realized that the kids and their families had no such luxury awaiting them. They would need to cope with the heat and high humidity without respite. I also realized that at least one child in the family would have a bedkit to help ease the burden and for that we thank the donors.
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| From Chennai Photos 2010 |
Nevertheless, the smiles I collect are mine to keep and I shall hold onto these for many years to come.
Bill Baker, SCAW Volunteer
for Team Chennai 2010
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Mumbai: Abernath
On each distribution day, the jobs, excluding the photography, are a rotation for the remaining five team members. Today I had the wonderful task of putting the bedkit into the hands of all the excited little ones who have been through the routine of changing clothes, lining up and smiling for the picture, and waiting. The children today were from tribal villages and for many it was a first ride in a motor vehicle, a first encounter with 'white' people and a first visit to the 'city.' The excitement was equal for both sides of the distribution!! Watching tiny folk walk away dragging this heavy but precious gift was a reminder of how special this project is.
This was followed by an impromptu visit to the school. They had arrived back not long before us but the teachers had prepared a welcome for the Canadian visitors and we were treated to songs and a message spoken in English by a child in each class. Could this get any better?
For the children,
Faith Clark
for Team Mumbai 2010
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This was followed by an impromptu visit to the school. They had arrived back not long before us but the teachers had prepared a welcome for the Canadian visitors and we were treated to songs and a message spoken in English by a child in each class. Could this get any better?
For the children,
Faith Clark
for Team Mumbai 2010
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Mumbai: Three teams meet in Mumbai
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| From Pune 2010 Photos |
Three SCAW teams meet in India: the Belgaum, Pune, and Mumbai Sleeping Children Around the World travelling teams for 2010
(Left to right) Sitting on floor: Lynette Jenkins, Anne Andrew, Judy Dryden.
Sitting on chairs: Jean Bennett, Richard Poth, David Kiddle, Dave Dryden, Russ Hope.
Standing: Suman Patel, Joyce Poth, Duncan Macgregor, Brenda Oliver, Faith Clarke, Erika Zecha, Mary Jo Lang, Suzanne Andrew, Judy Skelton, Julie Merkley.
Chennai: Ambattur
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| From Chennai Photos 2010 |
This school is run by the Rotary Club of Ambattur. It is a Tamil medium school with 570 students attending. The school has all the regular courses as well as a computer lab and a Home Theater for educational purposes.
When we arrived at the site there was a tent-covered area with a colourful backdrop where the pictures were to be taken. Once we arrived we were able to set up fairly fast as chairs, benches and tables were moved into place very quickly. However the problem of lighting up the beautiful dark faces of the children has been a problem for our photographers so a new “toy” had been purchased and we did not start for about one half hour as they played with the new reflector. This piece of equipment was able to reflect the outside light directly at the faces of the children making it possible to see the features of the children’s faces much easier.
We also did three interviews with three separate parents and their children. An interpreter helped us to communicate with them. The parent and child were shown the bedkit and asked questions about the contents and quality of the contents.
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| From Chennai Photos 2010 |
It appears that all parents think all the items are useful to them.
During the time that the Ambattur Rotary Club has been involved with Sleeping Children Around the World, they have provided 62,500 bedkits and 8,215 layettes to needy children and babies.
As we were starting to clean up after the distributions, we were asked to present the Murray Dryden Scholarship prizes to the ten winners, the top student in each class. Of course we were pleased to do this. Each winner was presented with 2,000 rupees, equivalent to about $46 Canadian.
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| From Chennai Photos 2010 |
We left this meeting about 10 PM and made our way to the hotel where we first helped each other get undressed so we could pack the clothes we had on into suitcases to be stored in a Rotarians home. We then had a couple of hours sleep and got up at 2 AM to catch a plane to our next distribution.
Helen Brown
for Team Chennai 2010
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Mumbai: Karjit
Today the distribution was at the village of Karjt located about two and half hours north east. The driving was fairly good -- most of it along four-lane highways. We were in the country and saw rice paddies, men with oxen working in the paddies, and women transplanting the rice.
On arrival all the children (almost 400) were dressed in their new finery and waiting under a large tent. We were greeted with an elaborate ceremony and presented with roses. Some of the children sang in their native language. Following a smooth distribution we watched the children carry their bedkits home on their heads. This was followed by a traditional Indian lunch at the country home of one of the Rotarians.
Later in the afternoon we visited the homes of two children who received bedkits last year. The homes were simple buildings with only one room in the first, while the second home had three rooms. They were very clean and tidy. This visit demonstrated the value of the Sleeping Children Program.
Russ Hope
for Team Mumbai 2010
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On arrival all the children (almost 400) were dressed in their new finery and waiting under a large tent. We were greeted with an elaborate ceremony and presented with roses. Some of the children sang in their native language. Following a smooth distribution we watched the children carry their bedkits home on their heads. This was followed by a traditional Indian lunch at the country home of one of the Rotarians.
Later in the afternoon we visited the homes of two children who received bedkits last year. The homes were simple buildings with only one room in the first, while the second home had three rooms. They were very clean and tidy. This visit demonstrated the value of the Sleeping Children Program.
Russ Hope
for Team Mumbai 2010
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Belgaum: Flying to Belgaum
After meeting with the Mumbai and Pune Teams last night, the Belgaum Team left their hotel early this morning to fly out of Mumbai to Kolhapur, south of Mumbai.
After arriving safely In Kolhapur, our driver, Manjunath, picked us up and delivered us to our hotel in Belgaum at 1:30 p.m.
Tonight, we meet with our Overseas Volunteer Organization, the Rotary Club of Belgaum, for our Pre-distribution meeting. To-morrow, we meet 250 children in Athani.
We can't wait! Stay tuned!!
The Belgaum Team
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After arriving safely In Kolhapur, our driver, Manjunath, picked us up and delivered us to our hotel in Belgaum at 1:30 p.m.
Tonight, we meet with our Overseas Volunteer Organization, the Rotary Club of Belgaum, for our Pre-distribution meeting. To-morrow, we meet 250 children in Athani.
We can't wait! Stay tuned!!
The Belgaum Team
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