Belgaum: Happy Valentine's Day!
Happy Valentines Day from Team Belgaum!
Sue Orr on behalf of Team Belgaum 2015
Post your comments here:
We began our day with a 7:30 start...it was a 3 hour drive and the roadways were most interesting. We passed countless tractors and oxen carrying loads of sugar cane. Our driver Manganet is fearless!
.jpg)
Apron our arrival it took some time for set up but once we were in the system it all worked out well. The bed kits have many supplies and all great quality. The colour of the dresses stands out and all the children are so happy. The site also had some challenges with the local pigs coming in but that adds to ambience to the day. We had a lovely lunch/supper with the local tea and some of the crew from the Belgaum team.
.jpg)
We arrived home at 8:30pm...our drive back was exciting with the added danger of sundown. It's always an adventure in India!
.jpg)
Post your comments here:
Belgaum: Friday the 13th!
Nothing untoward has happened to the team today. Friday the 13th has been a wonderful experience.
We started the morning by visiting 2 houses of recipients of bedkits last year. Both families graciously invited us in to see there homes and expressed gratitude for the kits. When asked what was the best item in last years kit they were hesitant to distinguish one item over another as all items were important but the backpack seemed to get some special recognition perhaps for the additional school supplies it contained. The first homes were extremely dark - the only light entering through the front and back doors. The home contained four families housed in a row of four rooms. We were visiting the front unit which also contained the communal kitchen. The recipient from last year saw our need for light and went to a back room and brought a bright LED flashlight which then gave us a much better view of his home. The kitchen seemed to have good collection of stainless steel eating and cooking utensils and a 2 burner gas burner. The floor is compacted dirt. Life was sparse but they seemed very happy with their situation and very proud of their children.
Moving to the next house I was struck by the contrast created by the microwave cell tower just beyond the home we were visiting. Still very dark but electricity was available as was cable TV. We saw no evidence of either in the home.
From these houses we drove back into Belgaum to visit a knitting works which produces School Uniforms for the bed kits. We were greeted as VIP’s and presented with roses upon arrival. It was very interesting seeing the mechanized looms compared to the hand loom. Bill was telling us that they have modernized much of there production during the last few years and now only have one hand loom working where a couple of years ago they had 6. Workers also seem to have a much better working period from 9:30 to 6 with an hour for lunch.
Then we were off to the tailor shop where much of the other clothing for the children was produced by six sewing machine operators. Again the VIP treatment roses and drinks during our stay and a good showing of the materials being presented to the children.
We arrived back at the Hotel had a late lunch and prepared for the pre distribution meeting.
The predistribution meeting went very well. We met the Rotarians of the SCAW trust and went over the distribution procedures, locations and material. we followed this with great food and conversation. They are truly a wonderful group who work extremely hard to see that all goes smoothly. It now approaching midnight and we have to be ready for a distribution tomorrow at 7:30 so I will sign off
Team Belgaum 2015
Post your comments here:
We started the morning by visiting 2 houses of recipients of bedkits last year. Both families graciously invited us in to see there homes and expressed gratitude for the kits. When asked what was the best item in last years kit they were hesitant to distinguish one item over another as all items were important but the backpack seemed to get some special recognition perhaps for the additional school supplies it contained. The first homes were extremely dark - the only light entering through the front and back doors. The home contained four families housed in a row of four rooms. We were visiting the front unit which also contained the communal kitchen. The recipient from last year saw our need for light and went to a back room and brought a bright LED flashlight which then gave us a much better view of his home. The kitchen seemed to have good collection of stainless steel eating and cooking utensils and a 2 burner gas burner. The floor is compacted dirt. Life was sparse but they seemed very happy with their situation and very proud of their children.
Moving to the next house I was struck by the contrast created by the microwave cell tower just beyond the home we were visiting. Still very dark but electricity was available as was cable TV. We saw no evidence of either in the home.
From these houses we drove back into Belgaum to visit a knitting works which produces School Uniforms for the bed kits. We were greeted as VIP’s and presented with roses upon arrival. It was very interesting seeing the mechanized looms compared to the hand loom. Bill was telling us that they have modernized much of there production during the last few years and now only have one hand loom working where a couple of years ago they had 6. Workers also seem to have a much better working period from 9:30 to 6 with an hour for lunch.
Then we were off to the tailor shop where much of the other clothing for the children was produced by six sewing machine operators. Again the VIP treatment roses and drinks during our stay and a good showing of the materials being presented to the children.
We arrived back at the Hotel had a late lunch and prepared for the pre distribution meeting.
The predistribution meeting went very well. We met the Rotarians of the SCAW trust and went over the distribution procedures, locations and material. we followed this with great food and conversation. They are truly a wonderful group who work extremely hard to see that all goes smoothly. It now approaching midnight and we have to be ready for a distribution tomorrow at 7:30 so I will sign off
Team Belgaum 2015
Post your comments here:
Belgaum: Rotary Pool Visit
This evening the team went to visit The Belgaum Swimmers Club which practices out of a pool the Belgaum Rotary supports. The city run pool was about to close when the Rotary stepped in to support the program The team coach introduced us to a number of the Clubs decorated athletes. The club has produced a number of champions at the international level, as well it has trained a swimmer who completed a swim across The English Channel.
They also have an amazing program for blind children. One of the girls from that program, totally blind, jumped off the high diving board for us. The program is hugely successful. The Rotary Club even provides transportation for swimmers and evening practice is followed by dinner for everyone. Amazing work!!
Team Belgaum 2015
Post your comments here:
They also have an amazing program for blind children. One of the girls from that program, totally blind, jumped off the high diving board for us. The program is hugely successful. The Rotary Club even provides transportation for swimmers and evening practice is followed by dinner for everyone. Amazing work!!
Team Belgaum 2015
Post your comments here:
Belgaum: Leaving Mumbai
Today we left Mumbai. We will have many memories of that city. Such a mixture of beautiful and ugly and bad.
The good, most of the people we met were friendly, polite and happy. The city is colourful with the beautiful array of colour of their saris. It is good with the patience and driving skills of many taxis, motorized rickshaws and cars that abound in the downtown. Sometimes 4-5 cars driving along in a 2-3 lane road weaving in and out of the traffic, passing other cars with just 1" to,spare, but in 3 days travelling around the area we saw no accidents . The business of the streets; hundreds of people bustling around, crossing the roads at their own parrel, darting between cars, rickshaws, push carts, wagons, and buses.
The bad is the numbers of beggars on the street and the large slum area throughout the city among the new high rises. We are told the city is working on programs for youth employment programs. Many of them are working under poor employment conditions, living in large dormitories.
There is the beautiful history side of Mumbai with many old temples, shrines, caves from 1000 years ago with statues that are still colourful. These caves were built by hand and we wonder how it could be done. Even today with our sophisticated diggers and equipment it would be a challenge .
We found a quiet temple pool in the city where people bath to wash their sins away while quietly people pray and partake of religious ceremonies on the stairs around the pool. Just so many memories.
Today is Thursday and we leave for Belgaum. I had a little hitch with my visa which took some time to correct but all worked out. We left on time and even arrived early, met by our Rotary Partners, Dillip and Sandjay for a ride to the hotel. We are away from the bustling city and with quiet green farmlands, with cows going down the centre of the street. Today is a day off, we will visit a newly renovated Rotary pool, have dinner and relax tonight.
Lorna Hedger for Team Belgaum 2015
Post your comments here:
The good, most of the people we met were friendly, polite and happy. The city is colourful with the beautiful array of colour of their saris. It is good with the patience and driving skills of many taxis, motorized rickshaws and cars that abound in the downtown. Sometimes 4-5 cars driving along in a 2-3 lane road weaving in and out of the traffic, passing other cars with just 1" to,spare, but in 3 days travelling around the area we saw no accidents . The business of the streets; hundreds of people bustling around, crossing the roads at their own parrel, darting between cars, rickshaws, push carts, wagons, and buses.
The bad is the numbers of beggars on the street and the large slum area throughout the city among the new high rises. We are told the city is working on programs for youth employment programs. Many of them are working under poor employment conditions, living in large dormitories.
There is the beautiful history side of Mumbai with many old temples, shrines, caves from 1000 years ago with statues that are still colourful. These caves were built by hand and we wonder how it could be done. Even today with our sophisticated diggers and equipment it would be a challenge .
We found a quiet temple pool in the city where people bath to wash their sins away while quietly people pray and partake of religious ceremonies on the stairs around the pool. Just so many memories.
Today is Thursday and we leave for Belgaum. I had a little hitch with my visa which took some time to correct but all worked out. We left on time and even arrived early, met by our Rotary Partners, Dillip and Sandjay for a ride to the hotel. We are away from the bustling city and with quiet green farmlands, with cows going down the centre of the street. Today is a day off, we will visit a newly renovated Rotary pool, have dinner and relax tonight.
Lorna Hedger for Team Belgaum 2015
Post your comments here:
Belgaum: Mumbai Tour
Amin, our tour guide and former bedkit recipient, took us on a whirlwind tour of Mumbai. We visited the house where Ghandi lived, a market which included fruits, vegetables, birds and kitchen gadgets. We had a vegetarian lunch, went to the Victoria Train Station, a cloth market, a large open area where laundry is done, stopped at a camera shop and a shop that sold pashminas.
Walking through these places and crossing the busy streets was incredibly exciting. The train station was so noisy one couldn't hear the trains because of people talking and yet in the middle of all of this confusion, two women sat on the floor facing each other chatting! The people who work in the markets selling, live and sleep right there. We spotted a man sleeping in one of his large baskets. The vegetarian restaurant where we ate lunch employs 180 people. They have many staffrooms where 20 or more of the workers sleep each night. These workers send their earnings back home to their villages. The streets are crammed 4 cars wide then further stuffed with motorized rickshaws. We lost Sue at one point as we were crossing a street because she hesitated for a split second about stepping forward into traffic. She yelled to get our attention but couldn't be heard over the sound of the horns. Amin nicknamed himself "Coffee With Milk" because at each crossing he'd grab Lorna's hand to get her across with our pack.
Tomorrow we're flying to Belgaum.
Pam Horricks for Team Belgaum 2015
Post your comments here:
Post your comments here:
Belgaum: Touring Kanheri Caves with Amin
We had a good day touring with Amin Sheikh today, a long time friend of SCAW and previous bedkit recipient, even with the 33*C heat and humidity. He took us up to the Kanheri Caves National Park north of the city to see the 1,100 year old Buddhist caves. This time, we walked way up the hills to the highest level of caves and then he showed us where the Tibetan Monks still come to worship up there. There were a lot of their prayer flags tied to the trees and two large rectangular basins carved out the rock where they could immerse themselves during the rainy season. He then took us to a roadside vegetarian restaurant for lunch where we sampled various types of the local dishes and ate with our hands. It was quite the experience, especially when a truck drove through the restaurant while we were eating. The restaurant is hosting a large wedding and reception this evening, so the truck had brought a lot of the things to set up for it.
We then went to Snehasadan orphanage that Amin belonged to when he was young. We were given a tour of House #7 and met some of the current orphans, including one young boy who is a promising soccer star. They showed us where they cooked, ate, showered and slept. They all sleep on mats on the floor in one big room, but are thankful for that. We also met the new headmaster of Snehasadan, Father Noel, a young Jesuit priest, who took time to welcome us there.
Team Belgaum 2015
Post your comments here:
We then went to Snehasadan orphanage that Amin belonged to when he was young. We were given a tour of House #7 and met some of the current orphans, including one young boy who is a promising soccer star. They showed us where they cooked, ate, showered and slept. They all sleep on mats on the floor in one big room, but are thankful for that. We also met the new headmaster of Snehasadan, Father Noel, a young Jesuit priest, who took time to welcome us there.
Team Belgaum 2015
Post your comments here:
Belgaum: The Team has Arrived!
The rest of the members of Belgaum Travelling Team have arrived safely in India. While they were flying over, the advanced party had a good day today touring the southern area of Mumbai.
Team Belgaum 2015
Post your comments here:
To start the day, the staff the HMATC restaurant recognized Bill from last year and gave us great table service. The locals who were eating there were wondering why we were getting the special treatment.
We went to the Gates of India to catch a ferry to Elephanta Island. A young Indian man approached us at the ticket selling area for Elephanta Island to tell us that the Caves were closed on Mondays. He wanted to sell us tickets for the boat ride to and from the island, but since the caves were closed, he took us on a tour of the Gates of India and then to the Taj Mahal Hotel to look around and do some shopping. The one jewelry store have an exquisite butterfly broach made by hand with rubies, emeralds, diamond chips and other stones. It was tempting but we passed on it.
We then went 'shopping' through the sidewalk vendors. They all had ''deals' for us and wanted our business. We eventually made it to the Kala Gouda arts festival. It had some very unique artistic displays that they put a lot of thought into. By one oçlock we were starting to feel hungry so we ate at the Kyber Restaurant. We had a delicious assortment of various Indian foods and the atmosphere of the restaurant was special. It made for a good impression with the team.
This evening we met Neelesh and Judy Suchak, part of our SCAW Mumbai Overseas' Volunteer Partners team welcomed us at the HMATC with some flowers and chocolates. It was good to see them again. They have not changed at all and are just as helpful as ever. Bill's looking forward to seeing them on the 25th when he returns to Mumbai.
Team Belgaum 2015
Post your comments here:
Belgaum: The Team is on their Way
The Belgaum Travelling Team has departed Toronto enroute to Mumbai. Bill, Irwin, Lorna and Pamela will be followed there shortly by Sue and Cathy. The warm temperatures of India will be a welcome relief to the team after the snow that they experienced before leaving Toronto.
Team Belgaum 2015
Post your comments here:
Team Belgaum 2015
Post your comments here:
Belgaum 2015: Post Your Comments Here
As a courtesy, please add your name to the end of your comment.
Chennai: The Rotarians’ Celebration
The Rotary Club of Chennai had a lot to be
proud of today. We distributed the 100, 000th bed kit for them. What a moment and what an experience! This
club has been an active participant with SCAW for 29 years. Not only did they
celebrate the one hundred thousandth bed kit but they also began counting again
with the next child. Photos were taken
and new T-shirts distributed to all the Rotarians and our SCAW team. The young girls who received the kits beamed
broad smiles as their photos were taken alone and with their families and the
Rotarians. The whole day was one to
which we were glad to be a part.
Team Chennai 2015
Chennai: Remembering Murray Dryden
February 1 we did a distribution at a large school in
Tiruvallur. As we gathered, Ravi, the head of SCAW for the Chennai
distribution, shared that Murray Dryden died 11 years ago on that day. Ravi
requested a minute of silence to remember and honour Murray for his commitment
to needy children in the world. In that moment, Ravi also spoke with gratitude
for SCAW’S connection to India. Having Judy Dryden with us made the silence
more poignant. Our hearts softened as tears silently slipped down her face. The
last greatest act of love is to grieve our losses. Murray is remembered and
held in a place of love and admiration.
 |
| Murray Dryden |
As the Rotarians, SCAW team, and the multitude of
volunteers bowed their heads in respect, a solitary bird sang a melody in tune
with the background hum of traffic drifting over the school's wall.
Excited children's voices trickled in. Murray had a vision so many years ago. A vision
carried forward by his family and volunteers. He would have been so proud to
know that, this year, the 100,000th Chennai bedkit is to be delivered in
Ambattur this week. Over 1,000,000 children sleep better. Over
1,000,000 children have received an otherwise unattainable gift. Over
1,000,000 children have experienced hope for a new, exciting day. All because
one man had a vision.
Donna Chantler for Team Chennai
Post your comments here:Chennai: Factory Visits
During our travel day to Yercaud we had
many fascinating opportunities to visit some of the factories that produce the
items for our bed kits. We saw mosquito
nets, mattresses, T-shirts and ground covers being made. The owners of the factories proudly showed us
around and gave us food (mostly bananas) and drink (water and pop). These
factories were small and efficient. There were no conveyor belts but they all
had their specialty and they work quickly, passing the work down the table to
the next person in the chain. (Do you ever wonder what became of your old
sewing machine? We think we saw a few of
them here and you will be pleased to know the machines are running very well to
this day.)
The Indian people do not smile during
photos but they certainly grin broadly when shown the results on a camera. In lieu of more words here are some photos of
the factories that we visited.
Team Chennai 2015
Chennai: Hope
You may have noticed that there has been no
blog for a few days. Sorry, but we have been too busy riding elephants,
visiting spice plantations and travelling from one location to another. Consequently we have returned too late at
night to create a blog. So the following blog for today was written en route
and is being added now that we have settled in again.
Hope
The SCAW bed kit gives each child articles,
such as exercise books, pencils and a back pack, that will support them in
school and hopefully to stay in school. The clothes help them to feel better
about themselves. With the blanket, sheets, quilted pad and ground cover, the
SCAW bedkit encourages a good night sleep so that each child can embrace the day
and make it the best it can be. The bedkit provides a towel, nail clippers and
bedding to encourage cleanliness, respect for the body and quality sleep.
Kolkata: It's a Wrap!
Many had already left the neighbourhood site, some walking
Some on bike,
Some in a tuk tuk
It was a happy day for them
We were honoured guests at a final banquet, at which Rotarians and their families joined to bid us farewell. It has been a special distribution for them as they celebrate the 50th anniversary of their club and their 17th SCAW distribution. We return to Canada, embraced by the warmth of their kind hospitality and overwhelmed by the tremendous amount of work they do to make each year's distribution so efficient and successful.
We leave, leaving a little bit of ourselves in spirit and friendship in Kolkata, but take with us many treasured memories that will last forever.
Team Kolkata 2015
Post your comments here:
Kolkata: Krishnanagar
Each day brings a unique experience, a new destination, a
wonderful gathering of Rotarians, volunteers and of course, hundreds of
delightful children. Some are sombre,
needing much coaxing to bring forth a smile; others quite outgoing, anxious to
practise their English. All are in need
and so deserving of the SCAW bedkit.
Today’s journey was a 6 hour round trip to Krishnanagar,
reached by the only road that leads to Bangladesh and Assam. Consequently, our skillful driver battled for
space on the road with many cars, wagons, motorcycles and trucks..
Each distribution has much in common:
Entertaining the children, coaxing out those smiles
Helping set up the photo shoot
Sharing special moments
Accepting the sincere gratitude of bedkit recipients
Working with Rotarians who have become our friends
At day’s end we had brought smiles to 460 children in
Krishnanagar. Just once more chance to
bring joy and comfort to children in our
last distribution tomorrow. Just one
more chance to accept the wonderful hospitality of our hosts, members of the
Rotary Club of Dum Dum. Just one more
day to collect some treasured moments. And one more day to see those beautiful
smiles and happy children.
Irene
Harrison for Team Kolkata 2015
Kolkata: Barrackpore
Our Day 8 distribution was at Barrackpore, a military installation in Kolkata, on the shores of the Ganges River. It was a large site, and the children arrived bright and early to receive their bedkits. Temperatures have been rising steadily over the past week, so the children no longer choose to wear their new fleece jackets from their bedkits for their photos. As the day got hotter we were able to find shade for the children under the trees. There were lots of smiles from the children before they left with their new bedkits.
At the end of the distribution we had the privilege of touring the Gandhi Museum located on the site.
Only two more distributions before all 5,000 children will have the joy of a better sleep.
Only two more distributions before all 5,000 children will have the joy of a better sleep.
Judy Dryden for Team Kolkata 2015
Kolkata: Chandra's Garden
Today was another memorable day in Kolkata.
The team travelled 60 kilometers to Chandra's Garden, the site for today's distribution. This site is owned by an Indian company that produces snack food, and is used by them for special events. This was a beautiful setting, with lovely manicured lawns, well-tended gardens and modern buildings.
The most notable thing was the dramatic contrast between a place like this and the "village" we visited yesterday where bedkit recipients live. In fact, as you travel to and from every distribution site the scene from the van window always seems slightly chaotic, with people, bikes, motorcycles, tuk tuks, wagons, cars and trucks weaving over every inch of road. At the side of the road the prominent color this time of year is grey; the grey of shanties and shacks, buildings and worn advertising signs. Chandra's Garden was quite an oasis in the midst of this.
Surprisingly, the children lining up to have their photos taken did not seem impressed at all. They are much more interested in the bedkit process, the items they will receive and in clowning around with their friends in line. With our normal league of volunteers including some Rotary children, the process was as smooth as ever. Today was our biggest distribution of this trip - 640 bedkits, 640 warm and appreciative smiles.
Tonight we are off to a wedding. One of the Dum Dum Rotarian's daughters is getting married and we have been graciously invited.
Oh dear, what to wear?!
Lynn Benson for Team Kolkata
Post your comments here:
The team travelled 60 kilometers to Chandra's Garden, the site for today's distribution. This site is owned by an Indian company that produces snack food, and is used by them for special events. This was a beautiful setting, with lovely manicured lawns, well-tended gardens and modern buildings.
The most notable thing was the dramatic contrast between a place like this and the "village" we visited yesterday where bedkit recipients live. In fact, as you travel to and from every distribution site the scene from the van window always seems slightly chaotic, with people, bikes, motorcycles, tuk tuks, wagons, cars and trucks weaving over every inch of road. At the side of the road the prominent color this time of year is grey; the grey of shanties and shacks, buildings and worn advertising signs. Chandra's Garden was quite an oasis in the midst of this.
Surprisingly, the children lining up to have their photos taken did not seem impressed at all. They are much more interested in the bedkit process, the items they will receive and in clowning around with their friends in line. With our normal league of volunteers including some Rotary children, the process was as smooth as ever. Today was our biggest distribution of this trip - 640 bedkits, 640 warm and appreciative smiles.
Tonight we are off to a wedding. One of the Dum Dum Rotarian's daughters is getting married and we have been graciously invited.
Oh dear, what to wear?!
Lynn Benson for Team Kolkata
Post your comments here:
Kolkata: Bira
Today, we travelled about 50 km to arrive at the
distribution in Bira, Ashoknagar. Using rural roads in India, travelling time
is double that which we might expect at home.
However, compared to the first group of children who received bedkits,
that was very little distance at all.
Those youngsters left their homes at 3:00 am in order to travel over 100
km and still arrive on time for the distribution. They lived near Sunderban, an
area close to the sanctuary to protect Bengal tigers which are in danger of
extinction in India.
Our Overseas Partners once again made sure that all children
were fed before they prepared for the distribution, itself a fairly lengthy
process for children who are tired and perhaps a little wary of strangers.
Happy faces,
Beautiful smiles
Even watchful parents,
Made yet another memorable day for us.
Following the customary generous lunch , we had the
opportunity to visit a nearby village to see where some of the bedkit
recipients live. What a humbling
experience that was, seeing the conditions in which these children grow
up. Yet the children were so happy and
excited to meet us.
It was a community of
squatters who had moved onto some unused railway lands, starting about fifteen
years ago. They had very little, with
many families, often with seven or eight members sharing a single room. Even so we’ll never forget the little girl who had received her bedkit
this morning. When asked what her
favourite item in the kit was, her smile grew and her eyes sparkled as she
proudly displayed the lovely blue dress she was wearing.
She was absolutely beautiful!
Chennai: Day 3 Distribution at Kilpauk
Today was a warm, sunny day and the
distribution ran smoothly. At times there was even a feeling that an external
source (God?) was synchronizing our actions. We were outside in a school yard
and because it was Sunday we did not have any children from that school to help
or hinder. Our overseas volunteers, The Rotarians of Ambattur helped with the
communications. We are always very thankful for their help.
One the joys of our day was hearing about a
letter posted on Marg’s Facebook page written by the children from an orphanage.
Yesterday they received bedkits from SCAW and were filled with a wonderful
sense of joy which spread to us all. (Happiness
is Contagious)
Team Chennai 2015
Chennai: Happiness is Contagious!!
Day 2 – Scaw’s 2015 Chennai Distribution in
Vallore was a three hour drive from our hotel. Fortified with a breakfast stop
along the way, we arrived at the community centre mid-morning. After a few last minute details were ironed
out, the event was soon underway. The 600 children quickly warmed to the
occasion. Their smiles and excitement were contagious.
As with any SCAW distribution, it can be
said that the volunteers benefited as much from the experience as the children
and their families. We may have been separated by language and culture but we
could easily connect by sharing a happy day.
The children would on occasion approach these “white” people with
trepidation and some fear but the sheer joy on their faces when they received
their bedkits made it all worthwhile. A smile would light up their faces as
most of them struggled to carry the heavy kit by themselves.
As a grand finale, we were treated to some
impromptu singing and dancing by the children of the Mercy Home Orphanage,
Tiruvannamalai. They laughed and sang with complete abandon and delight. Their
day was almost over and they had a new bedkit to take with them.
A delicious lunch at a nearby restaurant
was provided for the volunteers by Shan of Rotary Club Vellore. Shan was the
organizer of today’s event. All of us then piled into the van for the trip back
to Chennai – tired but happy.
Post your comments here: