Chennai: Fog
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| From Chennai 2012 |
We are now booked to leave early tomorrow morning at 3 a.m. Yikes!
Hopefully, our last two distributions can be completed. We are thinking positive thoughts and today we are enjoying a free day to rest and site see.
Chennai Team 2012
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Pune: 714 Smiles
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| From Pune 2012 |
Today's village was high on a hilltop, with rocky terrain, dry grass, and very little arable land. Life is a challenge for the people in this village.
But today was a day of joy -- a day of song and dance, bullock rides, and meals shared together. Today was a day of 714 smiles for the camera, 714 happy children walking home with bedkit in hand. A very rewarding day!
Photos will likely follow tomorrow.
Hope you are having a good weekend,
Debbie Will-Dryden
forTeam Pune 2012
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Belgaum: We have arrived
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| From Belgaum 2012 |
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| From Belgaum 2012 |
That evening, we met with the Belgaum Rotarians for the our pre-distribution meeting. We met all of the key players including the chairman who organized this year’s distribution. They have put a lot of hard work and planning into making this distribution successful.
The 2012 Belgaum Team
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Chennai: Three days on the road
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| From Chennai 2012 |
We survived two over-night train trips, where we slept in curtained four- and two-bunked compartments, or at least tried to sleep!
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| From Chennai 2012 |
Thursday was distribution day in Shevaroy Hills and Friday we toured four factories that made bedkit items: the mosquito nets, sheets, t-shirts, and ground sheets.
What a memorable three days.
Chennai Team 2012
Click either photo to see more in the Chennai 2012 Photo Album. Then click on SLIDESHOW at upper left to see them all in large size.
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Pune: A Unique Experience
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| From Pune 2012 |
On arrival, we were transported on a cart pulled by decorated bullocks into the centre of the village flanked by the local people -- a unique experience for all of us.
The Rotary Club extended a very warm welcome to us that included the traditional blessings: roses, pooja, lighting of the lamps, and songs and dances by the children.
With the help of the Rotary Club members from Pune and numerous volunteers, the distribution proceeded smoothly. Today 686 children received a bedkit and tonight will "shan't zopa" (sleep well).
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| From Pune 2012 |
Team Pune 2012
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Belgaum: Mumbai
After another wholesome breakfast of puma and skeena, we were met at the hotel by Amin and his godfather, the Rev Desmond, an Anglican Priest from London, England, who has known Amin since he was a boy of four. Rev Desmond had also been blessed by Mother Theresa after he was crippled in the Birmingham bombings in the 70s and was able to walk again.
Amin took us to the Gates of India and the Taj Hotel, that was partially destroyed during the terrorist attacks in 2008. The Taj has been restored to its former glory. From there we went to the Sanjit Ghandi National Park where we explored the Buddhist caves from the 12th century and the exquisite carvings and cave paintings that are still visible today. Our next treat was our lunch stop at the Uphaar Indian restaurant where we tried Indian crepes: with spinach and potato, with grated cheese, and with cheese and potato. We also tried a special Indian soup and a slice of Indian ice cream.
After lunch we drove through Mumbai’s largest slum and Amin showed us a 6 km road that used to be covered with one- and two-storey slum dwellings that were bulldozed away and the street paved in its place. The tenants were supposed to have relocated and money paid but Amin said that nothing ever came of it, only more ‘monkey business’ or corruption.
At 1530 hrs, Morali Iyer’s drivers picked us up at the YMCA International House and took us to the Municipal Airport for our Kingfisher Airlines flight to Hubli. After a short delay, we landed in Hubli at 2100 hrs. We were picked up by Dilip’s driver Manjunet in a brand new 20 pax bus. Dilip had been so kind as to provide us with fruit, sandwiches, and cold drinks, which we really appreciated on the 95-minute drive to the city of Belgaum. When we arrived at our hotel, we were met by Dilip S. Chitnis, Sanjay Kulkami, and Jeevan Khatav, the key members of the OVO [Overseas Voluntary Organization] Rotary Club of Belgaum. They ensured that we were warmly welcomed and settled into our hotel rooms before they left for home at midnight.
The 2012 Belgaum Team
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Amin took us to the Gates of India and the Taj Hotel, that was partially destroyed during the terrorist attacks in 2008. The Taj has been restored to its former glory. From there we went to the Sanjit Ghandi National Park where we explored the Buddhist caves from the 12th century and the exquisite carvings and cave paintings that are still visible today. Our next treat was our lunch stop at the Uphaar Indian restaurant where we tried Indian crepes: with spinach and potato, with grated cheese, and with cheese and potato. We also tried a special Indian soup and a slice of Indian ice cream.
After lunch we drove through Mumbai’s largest slum and Amin showed us a 6 km road that used to be covered with one- and two-storey slum dwellings that were bulldozed away and the street paved in its place. The tenants were supposed to have relocated and money paid but Amin said that nothing ever came of it, only more ‘monkey business’ or corruption.
At 1530 hrs, Morali Iyer’s drivers picked us up at the YMCA International House and took us to the Municipal Airport for our Kingfisher Airlines flight to Hubli. After a short delay, we landed in Hubli at 2100 hrs. We were picked up by Dilip’s driver Manjunet in a brand new 20 pax bus. Dilip had been so kind as to provide us with fruit, sandwiches, and cold drinks, which we really appreciated on the 95-minute drive to the city of Belgaum. When we arrived at our hotel, we were met by Dilip S. Chitnis, Sanjay Kulkami, and Jeevan Khatav, the key members of the OVO [Overseas Voluntary Organization] Rotary Club of Belgaum. They ensured that we were warmly welcomed and settled into our hotel rooms before they left for home at midnight.
The 2012 Belgaum Team
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Pune: Ghargaon
After a three-hour van ride, being entertained by our partner Rotary Club of Pune Cantonement, we arrived at our distribution centre, Ghargaon.
We were greeted with a band, folk dances, and welcome speeches by the kids and were showered with roses. We looked out to a sea of parents as the day was well-attended by mothers and fathers alike.
Everything ran smoothly and we finished our 653 bedkits in three hours. We were served a traditional Indian feast made at the school in huge pots and enjoyed by all.
We are grateful for all the support from the Rotary Club members and the many volunteer helpers.
Tomorrow is another full day, driving three hours out to rural India.
Thank you! (and now we are off to bed!)
Debbie
for Team Pune 2012
Click to leave your comments.
We were greeted with a band, folk dances, and welcome speeches by the kids and were showered with roses. We looked out to a sea of parents as the day was well-attended by mothers and fathers alike.
Everything ran smoothly and we finished our 653 bedkits in three hours. We were served a traditional Indian feast made at the school in huge pots and enjoyed by all.
We are grateful for all the support from the Rotary Club members and the many volunteer helpers.
Tomorrow is another full day, driving three hours out to rural India.
Thank you! (and now we are off to bed!)
Debbie
for Team Pune 2012
Click to leave your comments.
Belgaum: Friday in Mumbai
The YMCA International House served a typical Indian breakfast which we savoured, especially the hot coffee that the waiter attentively poured for us. At 1000 hrs, Amin picked us up at the YMCA IH. Amin had received a bedkit many years ago when he was a homeless street child in Mumbai. Today he runs an orphanage in Mumbai and has paid for the schooling of seven street children in private schools here. He has written a book about his life as a street child and how he raised himself out of poverty. He is hoping to have the book published shortly in Paris and use the proceeds to fulfil a dreaming of his to open a coffee shop library called, “Bombay to Barcelona Coffee Shop.”
Amin drove us to the centre of Mumbai, or Bombay as he likes to still refer to it. He told us about the history of the city and proudly stated that this is one city whether all religions and people get along in relative harmony. He took us to the Mahatma Ghandi House Museum after driving through the Katami Pura district. The museum is a superb tribute to one of the world’s great statesmen. The way it was laid out allowed visitors to learn about his life and contributions to India quickly. On the way out, some tourists were almost struck by coconuts that city crews were cutting down from the trees in front of the museum.
From there, Amin took us to Victoria Station, one of the busiest train stations in Mumbai and India. It was amazing to see each train discharge its jam-packed passengers with just as many people waiting to board the train that left less than five minutes later. From there we walked to the expansive Crawford’s Market where we witnessed a young worker injure his right foot when he tripped and the handle of the two wheeled, wooden hand cart, that was full to capacity with cases of Nutella, crashed down on his foot. We shuddered to think that he may be out of work without compensation if he cannot pull that cart.
We walked over to the Mandaldas Textile Market where they sold gorgeous materials for ladies dresses and saris. We were also served a very delicious ginger-cardamom tea that was laced with sugar by the chai walla. We then sampled a local delicacy called a vadapau burger from the best street vendor in Mumbai. It was a spicy potato and leek ball served in a burger bun and cost only 12 Rupees ($0.24). What a meal!
That afternoon Amin took us to his old stomping grounds in the Mandalas Hills; which is the home to many of the rich families of Bombay. There we saw the Banganga tank, which was built in the year 1280 and is 135 m long and 52m wide. It is a scared bathing area and is similar to the Ganges River in significance for the Hindus. We learned about the Hindu religion when viewing the many temples that surrounded the Banganga. We also saw dozens of people washing and drying clothes by hand in the many basins there. We also learned how to hang clothes without using clothes pins. Rather, they used twisted ropes and tucked the collars and sleeves in between the ropes. Around the corner we visited the hanging gardens and saw a topiary elephant. We also met a street vendor who was selling gorgeous peacock fans for between 100 and 350 Rupees. She would not take no for answer until someone bought one. Thanks, Marg. We also learned about the Farsi religion and saw the place where their dead go to rest. It was a real education.
In the evening, we had the pleasure of some cab rides through the chaos of the Mumbai traffic; complete with brama bull carts, a goat chasing a man, thousands of horns honking, and people perilously crossing the roads – all without anyone having an accident. We visiteded the Kala Ghoda Festival with its many stalls selling local crafts and the two stages with local dancers and high wire performers. All in all and wonderful way to end our first day in the land of magic.
The 2012 Belgaum Team
Click to leave your comments.
Amin drove us to the centre of Mumbai, or Bombay as he likes to still refer to it. He told us about the history of the city and proudly stated that this is one city whether all religions and people get along in relative harmony. He took us to the Mahatma Ghandi House Museum after driving through the Katami Pura district. The museum is a superb tribute to one of the world’s great statesmen. The way it was laid out allowed visitors to learn about his life and contributions to India quickly. On the way out, some tourists were almost struck by coconuts that city crews were cutting down from the trees in front of the museum.
From there, Amin took us to Victoria Station, one of the busiest train stations in Mumbai and India. It was amazing to see each train discharge its jam-packed passengers with just as many people waiting to board the train that left less than five minutes later. From there we walked to the expansive Crawford’s Market where we witnessed a young worker injure his right foot when he tripped and the handle of the two wheeled, wooden hand cart, that was full to capacity with cases of Nutella, crashed down on his foot. We shuddered to think that he may be out of work without compensation if he cannot pull that cart.
We walked over to the Mandaldas Textile Market where they sold gorgeous materials for ladies dresses and saris. We were also served a very delicious ginger-cardamom tea that was laced with sugar by the chai walla. We then sampled a local delicacy called a vadapau burger from the best street vendor in Mumbai. It was a spicy potato and leek ball served in a burger bun and cost only 12 Rupees ($0.24). What a meal!
That afternoon Amin took us to his old stomping grounds in the Mandalas Hills; which is the home to many of the rich families of Bombay. There we saw the Banganga tank, which was built in the year 1280 and is 135 m long and 52m wide. It is a scared bathing area and is similar to the Ganges River in significance for the Hindus. We learned about the Hindu religion when viewing the many temples that surrounded the Banganga. We also saw dozens of people washing and drying clothes by hand in the many basins there. We also learned how to hang clothes without using clothes pins. Rather, they used twisted ropes and tucked the collars and sleeves in between the ropes. Around the corner we visited the hanging gardens and saw a topiary elephant. We also met a street vendor who was selling gorgeous peacock fans for between 100 and 350 Rupees. She would not take no for answer until someone bought one. Thanks, Marg. We also learned about the Farsi religion and saw the place where their dead go to rest. It was a real education.
In the evening, we had the pleasure of some cab rides through the chaos of the Mumbai traffic; complete with brama bull carts, a goat chasing a man, thousands of horns honking, and people perilously crossing the roads – all without anyone having an accident. We visiteded the Kala Ghoda Festival with its many stalls selling local crafts and the two stages with local dancers and high wire performers. All in all and wonderful way to end our first day in the land of magic.
The 2012 Belgaum Team
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Belgaum: The team has landed
The Belgaum Team has landed safely in Mumbai (to bed at 2:00 a.m.!).
We will spend two days touring in Mumbai and getting our "sea legs" before heading south to Belgaum.
We are getting excited to see our Friends in The Rotary Club of Belgaum (our Overseas Volunteer Organization) and, of course, 4,500 children who will receive bedkits thanks to our donors and our Rotary friends.
The 2012 Belgaum Team
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We will spend two days touring in Mumbai and getting our "sea legs" before heading south to Belgaum.
We are getting excited to see our Friends in The Rotary Club of Belgaum (our Overseas Volunteer Organization) and, of course, 4,500 children who will receive bedkits thanks to our donors and our Rotary friends.
The 2012 Belgaum Team
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Belgaum: On Our Way To India
It was a good omen, the sun shone brightly in a blue Toronto sky as our SCAW team met at Pearson International Airport for our trip to Belgaum, India. The team consisted of Duncan Macgregor (Team leader), Andrea Tynan, Marg Goodwood, Larry & Anne Kell, and Bill Sergeant. The overnight flight to Amsterdam went smoothly and after a couple hours on the ground there, we were airborne again winging our way to Mumbai.
We arrived in Mumbai an hour earlier than scheduled, which was needed since it took a while to get everyone’s luggage. We were met at the airport by Morali Iyer and Morgan with two vans to transport us and our luggage to the YMCA International House. During our trip through this city of 21 million people there were many things that struck us: the smog, dust, and smell caused by the diesel exhaust and the small wood-burning fires. The fires were used by groups of people on the side of the roads to cook their dinners or keep warm, and some looked like they were just enjoying the comfort that an open fire gives a person as they stare deep into its flames. We noticed one group of about twenty ladies, some sitting and some sleeping, on the side of one road preparing spices and other products for the next morning’s market. Considering the time of the morning, 1:45 a.m., there were a lot of people about and the limited traffic gave us a chance to study the local rules of the road. Red lights were a suggestion; and the vehicle’s horn and momentum seemed to determined who had priority at intersections or when obstacles had to be circumnavigated. Thank goodness we were being driven to the hotel by an expert driver.
The YMCA International House, where we are staying for two nights, was most welcoming. The rooms were clean and comfortable, which was a welcome site after being on the road for the past 24 hours. The staff were friendly and accommodating despite the hour of our arrival.
The 2012 Belgaum Team
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We arrived in Mumbai an hour earlier than scheduled, which was needed since it took a while to get everyone’s luggage. We were met at the airport by Morali Iyer and Morgan with two vans to transport us and our luggage to the YMCA International House. During our trip through this city of 21 million people there were many things that struck us: the smog, dust, and smell caused by the diesel exhaust and the small wood-burning fires. The fires were used by groups of people on the side of the roads to cook their dinners or keep warm, and some looked like they were just enjoying the comfort that an open fire gives a person as they stare deep into its flames. We noticed one group of about twenty ladies, some sitting and some sleeping, on the side of one road preparing spices and other products for the next morning’s market. Considering the time of the morning, 1:45 a.m., there were a lot of people about and the limited traffic gave us a chance to study the local rules of the road. Red lights were a suggestion; and the vehicle’s horn and momentum seemed to determined who had priority at intersections or when obstacles had to be circumnavigated. Thank goodness we were being driven to the hotel by an expert driver.
The YMCA International House, where we are staying for two nights, was most welcoming. The rooms were clean and comfortable, which was a welcome site after being on the road for the past 24 hours. The staff were friendly and accommodating despite the hour of our arrival.
The 2012 Belgaum Team
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Belgaum: Team ready to go
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| From Belgaum 2012 |
The Belgaum Team shown here at the airport -- (Left to right): Margaret Goodchild, Andrea Tynan, Duncan Macgregor (Team Leader), Bill Sergeant, Larry Kell, Anne Kell -- has cleared security and is patiently waiting in Toronto for our flight to Amsterdam and then Mumbai.
We will arrive in Mumbai in the early morning hours of Friday, February 10th.
Until then, sleep well!
The 2012 Belgaum Team
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Pune: First Distribution
Yesterday was our first distribution at a local school in the heart of the city of Pune, India.
The students live primarily in the slums of the region. Life is hard for these children, living within the cycle of extreme poverty.
The teachers at the school do their best, providing the children with meals and an education, hoping to give the children more opportunities for their future.
We were happy to have this opportunity to work so locally and have the Rotarians make the connection to children within their immediate community.
Due to the disruption of municipal elections, today is a rest day. The Pune Rotarians have arranged for the Canadian team to tour the city and surrounding area.
Team Pune 2012
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| Pune 2012 |
You can also submit your email address and then you will be notified each time there is a new Live Report.Click the graphic at right to see all the photos in the Pune 2012 Photo Album. When you're there, click on SLIDESHOW at upper left to see all the photos in a larger size.
Chennai: Nellore
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| From Chennai 2012 |
We were welcomed at Zella Perishad #5 School by a 6-piece drum band who led us down a tree lined courtyard, while students and helpers festooned us with garlands and sprinkled flower petals over our heads and at our feet. What a beautiful entry!
After that, we conducted a perfect distribution of 500 bedkits.
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| From Chennai 2012 |
Many Thanks.
John Page
for Team Chennai 2012
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Chennai: Kilpauk
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| From Chennai 2012 |
Sunday is considered to be a day of rest when you are able to spend time with your family, so the streets were comparatively quiet and calm. We arrived at the Sindhi Model SR, SEC School, where the students, teachers, and parents gathered in the outdoor auditorium.
The school's courtyard is surrounded by large trees and plants and they have two basketball nets.
With the help of the Ambattur Rotary Club we were able to quickly set up and begin. While the children were being organized in their lines, we were able to get to know the children's names, and got some insight on their future aspirations.
When asked, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" a popular response was an engineer, a doctor, and a teacher.
We distributed 423 bedkits today and received a big smile in return with each one.
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| From Chennai 2012 |
Team Chennai 2012
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Pune: The team has arrived
We got a message from the Pune 2012 Team:
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Just wanted to let you know that the Pune team has all arrived safely.
We checked into our hotel and now are ready to go to help with the assembling of the bedkits.
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Chennai: Tiruvallur
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| From Chennai 2012 |
We were greeted by Girl Guides and Boy Scouts who then helped us set up for the day.
We happily gave 565 bedkits to the children with the help of the senior students volunteering on the site. (Picture at right shows Laurie-Beth with the girls who helped us.)
On the return trip we saw rice growing in the country side, cows and goats roaming freely on the street, and a wide variety of tiny shops as we approached the city.
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| From Chennai 2012 |
Tomorrow we look forward to our fifth distribution.
Laurie-Beth Page
for Team Chennai 2012
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Chennai: Avadi
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| From Chennai 2012 |
The founder A.N. Ramesh Babu told us this is the eleventh time this site has been used. Many senior students gave assistance and 601 happy children boarded their buses for home.
Team Chennai 2012
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Chennai: Vellore Again
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| From Chennai 2012 |
Starting early we left our hotel to return to the same site we did the distribution yesterday.
Today's challenge was working around the people preparing for a wedding in the hall where the Rotarians had been staging the kids.
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| From Chennai 2012 |
At the end of the distribution day we had handed out 697 bedkits for a running total of 1,025.
Later a little fun was had by Aniya as she played with the kids trying to cram into an auto-rickshaw.
Team Chennai 2012
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Kolkata: Mission Accomplished
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| From Kolkata 2012 |
Day 10: The Kindness of Strangers
The final distribution day has been completed - 1200 today!
It could not have happened without the kindness of strangers ...
- to the wonderful people around Canada and the world, who donate to this most worthwhile charity -- without you, none of this could happen
- to our most warm and welcoming hosts -- the Rotary Club of Dum Dum -- for their fine tuned organizational skills, which kept us on track
- to their wives and children who were also instrumental with the success of the distribution
- to all of the Oversees Volunteer Organizations that assist us day-to-day over here with the cooking for the children, to the assistance at the distribution sites, with changing the children, setting up the photo sites, assisting with handing us the bedkits, and who ensured our safety
- to the Rotarian Doctors who asked us daily about our health, and the hundreds of others who are too numerous to mention
- and this wouldn't have happened without the beautiful children of India -- with their smiles and happy/shy disposition, who made our days so very enjoyable, and all the long days and hard work worthwhile
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| From Kolkata 2012 |
..
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| From Kolkata 2012 |
Including the 6,500 bedkits delivered
in Kolkata this year, our total is
now 1,195,630 bedkits since
Sleeping Children began in 1970.
in Kolkata this year, our total is
now 1,195,630 bedkits since
Sleeping Children began in 1970.
That's all she wrote ... Thank you for joining us on this wonderful adventure ...
Team Kolkata 2012
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Belgaum: The Team Prepares
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| From Belgaum 2012 |
Another team met at 28 Pinehurst to prepare for their 2012 distribution of bedkits in Belgaum, India. Pictured above, the team is (Left to Right) Duncan Macgregor (Team Leader), Andrea Tynan, Bill Sergeant, Margaret Goodchild, Anne Kell, and Larry Kell.
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