Hubli - penultimate distribution

Today in Hubli we did our penultimate distribution. We gave out 700 bed kits today and have just 200 to do tomorrow. There was a greater percentage of kids with disabilities at Hubli.  A couple of little kids were quite alarmed by the whole process and were crying for their mothers by the time they got to the photo shoot.  Sue waited until they stopped crying before taking the pictures!

 

Donna Crossan for

Team Belgaum

Rotarians had special shirts made for Hubli distribution

The kids are seated and waiting patiently to be called to get their bed kits and have their pictures taken.

 

 

 

 

 

After taking some kids' pictures, Sue high fived them as they left!  Such energy on Sue's part and such fun for the kids too.

 

This picture shows pretty clearly how challenging it is to arrange 10 children for a group shot in the order you want them when there is no common language. It's amazing that the pictures look as good as they do.

 

Belgaum - 800 children!

 

Yesterday was the largest distribution - 800 bedkits and it was one of the hottest days so far.  Luckily it was in Belgaum so we did not have to travel out of the city.  The children were bused in staggered lots so all 800 did not arrive at once.  The children were fed a meal consisting of a sandwich, banana, juice box, and a piece of chocolate provided by one of the Rotarians who has done this for the last 17 years. 

 

After we had photographed approximately 250 kids everything ground to a halt as VIP's came to visit- we had the police commissioner from the district, the district deputy governor and even the monk from a  temple we visited last week.  We resumed after an hour or so and at the end of the day we balanced so all was good!

 

Lita Fearon

for Team Belgaum

 Dignitaries came to visit

Playing with the children while final count  taking place

Photo op

Girls comparing their outfits

 

The wives of the Rotarians feeding the children

Ramdurg - 400 more children receive bedkits!

Our distribution of 400 bed kits at Ramdurg went very smoothly.

The site was compact and efficient. Canopies in the schoolyard protected all from the very warm sun. Again the Rotarians greeted us with flowers, this time necklaces of marigolds which were much heavier than one would think.

The children were all quietly waiting for us to arrive . Upon our arrival excitement reigned .

Again the women of the Inner Wheel and the young people in training to be Rotarians were there eagerly assisting. Some kids gathered on the roof of the school to watch the event.

Sue was ready at the camera for picture taking and the team members organized the children for their picture"

Children lined up for their shoes, sweaters, school supplies, raincoat and bed kits.

As they left they had a very full and heavy bag and were extremely happy!

Parents and /or friends often greeted them and assisted in carrying their bags.

Here in India many farm animals run free range. As you can see pigs  were hanging out in the school yard.

This area of the country is a farming area and more green than some other areas we have been to likely due to  irrigation.

On the way back to the hotel we had the opportunity to visit a most impressive World Heritage Site.

 

Nancy Mongeon

for Team Belgaum

Day 4 - Gokak. A Perfect Distribution Day!

The four steps to a perfect distribution day:

1.  After a relatively short 1 hour drive, arrive in the village of Gokak and be greeted by 200 eager faces.

2.  Be given the opportunity to take the SCAW photos. No pressure - the sign is visible, the children are facing forward, encourage them to smile and then click. Easy as 1-2-3-4.

3.  Watch your fellow team members meet, greet, count and escort these precious children through the process.  

4.  See the joy in your Team Leader's face as she hands the children the bedkit bag.

 It was a great day!

 Kerry Harman

for Team Belgaum

Kerry revels in her role as photographer!

Family Day in Harugiri and Ugar

When we arrived in Harugiri about 10:30 this morning, these children were patiently waiting for us--boys on one side shown here and girls on the other. They applauded our arrival and then applauded each of the 27 items in the bed kit as we showed them what they would be getting. Such excitement! 

 

All in all, a very successful day with 590 bed kits delivered to 590 children through the SCAW family on Family Day in Ontario.

Donna Crossan for Team Belgaum

Boy & Girls waiting.

 

 

The mothers of the children were waiting under a separate canopy and were a lovely riot of bright colours in their saris. Very gracious and many smiles of appreciation because of the gifts to their children.

After an exceptionally smooth distribution at Harugiri,  we got back on the bus to go to Ugar to deliver another 300 bed kits.  This colourful picture shows the women who helped deliver the sweaters, raincoats and bed kits there.

These young men worked very hard at the actual distribution of the bed kits. Since many of the smaller children could not lift the kits, these willing volunteers carried a total of 290 bed kits from this area to the exit to be reunited with their parents.

Nipani - 400 bedkits!

The SCAW team is well.  All six were at the Nipani distribution and with the help of the Rotarians and the Inner Wheel made 400 children very happy.

Happy Valentine's Day from Team Belgaum

Belgaum Distribution Day 1

The team of 2 left the hotel for the 2 1/2 hour drive to Athani - the other 4 members being left behind in sickbay. We arrived on site to a large gym amid the cheering and clapping of 300 children which sounded like a beehive. The local Rotarians had the gym cordoned off for easy flow of children. Sue snapped the pics and I gave out the bed kits with the help of a few Rotarians. Smooth distribution and Sue passed the test with flying colours.

Lita Fearon for the Team

Pre distribution days in Belgaum

Although our distributions have not yet begun, we have been spending time getting to know our Rotarian OVP's here in Belgaum and learning about all the behind the scenes work that goes into getting the bedkits ready.

We were honoured to be invited to the home of Sonal, one of the Rotarians, for a lovely traditional Indian breakfast on Thursday. We learned so much not only about Indian cuisine, but many of their family and cultural traditions.  

We then went through the markets to the place where the clothing is made for the bedkits. Each little girl receives two colourful frocks and a petticoat and the boys two shirts and shorts. The material is of very high quality as is the workmanship. The tailor here even attends each distribution is case there are any adjustments needed to the clothing. Wonderful dedication! 

Next we visited the sweater factory and met the elderly gentleman who started the establishment many years ago. They make all the sweaters  for the  local school uniforms, yet always find time to make sweaters for the SCAW bedkits as well. Again, the quality and workmanship are top notch.

Finally we were honoured to be taken to the Rotary Sports Centre, to visit the swimming pool where 1000 children, including many who are disabled and underprivileged are offered lessons daily. It was inspiring to see how the Rotarians of Belgaum are helping all these children, in addition to the 4000 we will be giving bedkits to, starting tomorrow!

Chennai: Team finishes up in Andaman Islands

The last day of distribution on January 30th saw the completion of 5,000 bedkits.  1,000 of those were distributed in three locations in the Andaman Islands.  In partnership with The Rotary Club of Ambattur and The Rotary Club of Port Blair, the final 450 bedkits were handed out to some very happy children.  The distribution in the Andamans happens every two years and involves a lot of travel (plane, boat, and van).  But, the need is there and our Rotary Partners are a joy to work with.​  Wifi has been intermittent over the last few days so our blogs have been delayed.

Today, February 4th, we say Good-bye to our Rotary Partners who have been gracious, generous and very hospitable.  We take this opportunity to say "Thank You" to the donors of the 5,000 bedkits that we had the pleasure and privilege of presenting them to 5,000 very beautiful and happy children.

Murray's Dream is intact in Chennai (over 105,000 bedkits distributed through the Rotary Club of Ambattur since 1987).

Team Chennai 2016
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Belgaum: A Look Back At Day Two!!

 We were join by additional team mates, Paul and Rose Allison. The team arrived at a school in Khanapur, 40km outside of Belguam, to 100's of children anxiously awaiting the day! The day proceeded by blowing bubbles and handing out Canadian stickers....they were all very happy!!

We worked very well as a team and the distribution went smoothly. Each of us experienced a touching moment (or 5) that made a profound difference. We all thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to interview families and hear of their appreciation of what we are doing.

After the distribution we were fortunate to have the opportunity to visit a home in a small village of one the recipients. When we arrived were greeted by numerous children whom had received a bedkit earlier in the day. We quickly realized the impact on this small village. We were moved by the love and sense of family that exists in these challenging conditions.

Team Belgaum 2016
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Kolkata: Our Last Day!

Hard to believe that we have come to the end of our distribution!  At the start, 5,000 bedkits seemed a high number - and how do you deal with that? It is one child at a time.
Being mindful of their nervousness, excitement, disbelief that they are getting all these goodies and then the TOTAL JOY in knowing that they are.

Team Kolkata came to "give out bedkits". WE have been given so much more!  We have learned about a different culture, tried exotic new foods, met the most amazing, dedicated people who do all in their power to help the children - and have grown in the process.

The Rotary Club of Dum Dum is celebrating their 50 th anniversary.  Yesterday we gave out their 100,000 th bedkit. It was the anniversary of Murray's passing.  All momentous occasions that were honoured in our farewell dinner.  Judy recognized the huge contribution that the Dum Dum club has made to SCAW and gave them family photos of the Dryden family, their Pinehurst home and a copy of Murray's book, inscribed by Dave with a special message.

It has become a tradition that the SCAW team do a song for our hosts - so last night with Don as our choir director, we did "The 12 days of distribution" ( with apologies to "The 12 days of Christmas").  They roared - as did we at our attempts.

And then - almost everyone was on the dance floor and we went crazy dancing to disco,   Abba, YMCA and Bollywood - That was the most fun!  So at 11:00pm we went to bed and are now packing...!

Thanks for following our adventures and we hope you have enjoyed our experiences as much as we have.  THANK you donors for enabling us to help these beautiful children.

Team Kolkata 2016
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Belgaum: Mission Accomplished!

Mission accomplished!! We distributed our final 1000 bedkits for grand total of 3,000 kits in 3 days. Today we traveled 71 km to a village in the jungle of Karnataka.

The children traveled from outside villages as far as 70km. We noticed that they seemed more timid & reserved than children from the previous 2 days, we made sure we quickly changed that feeling by playfully interacting with balloons, beach balls and stickers.

These children and families who seem to have nothing have no wants because they don't know what there is to want. They are very appreciative and thankful for our gift.

Once again it was a moving experience. We are with mixed emotions that the we have complete our objective but we are comforted that 3,000 children will sleep well.

We thank the numerous local volunteers who spent the past 3 days helping us with logistics and organization to successfully distributing the bedkits.

This trip would not have been possible without the support of our family, friends and associates from Raymond James for allowing us this gift of giving.

Team Belgaum 2016
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Belgaum: The Team!

Team Belgaum 2016
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Kolkata: Our Treasured Volunteers!

Namaskar:

Today, the team would like to acknowledge all the extra work that has gone on by non- Rotarian volunteers on this distribution. We could not have done any of it without their assistance.

From the local women who helped the children change into their new clothing, to the people who have provided food for both the children, their families and us.  Our incredible driver, Dilip who has negotiated us SAFELY through the craziness of Kolkata traffic and then pitched in and assisted us at each and every distribution and Deba who has worked tirelessly, trouble shooting, replacing damaged items, and delivering mango juice to a grateful SCAW team.  Our four guys who are in charge of loading up of the bedkits in Kolkata, driving to the distribution sites and then off-loading the kits so we can give them to the children.  Imagine 5,000 x 13 lbs (per bedkit). ...! Alok, Bai, and another personal driver chauffeur people to and from the sites (us included) then carry items for the distribution once we get to the sites and also help with carrying the kits for the little children.  At the school for the blind, the local scout group helped with crowd control and handing out bedkits.

If all of these people had to be paid for the amount of hours they have donated with their time, energy and enthusiasm, we could not have afforded them.  How grateful we are that they believe in what Team Kolkata is doing!  Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

Team Kolkata 2016
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Chennai: Diglipur

We had a very long 18 hour trip yesterday consisting of a 2 1/2 hour flight, 2 short ferry boat rides and a long bus ride to get to Kalipur, near Diglipur on the Andaman Islands. We traveled through lush rain forests, small towns, a reservation area for the Jarawa tribe of Indians and coastal areas that had been hit by the tsunami a few years ago.

Our distribution today was the first for this area and we delivered 564 bed kits to the children in Diglipur. The children are very quiet and shy and would laugh when being entertained with magic and a hand puppet while waiting in line but were very serious when it was time to take their picture.

Fran for Team Chennai

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Chennai: Ambattur

Ambattur, the last distribution in the Chennai area was held at the school supported by the Rotary Club of Ambattur. The Rotarians have supported our SCAW distributions for 29 years. The Children were delightful and responded with awe at the magic tricks.

 It was a good day for the teachers, the Rotarians, the high school volunteers and the SCAW Team.  

We handed out the 4000^th bed kit too.

This distribution was particularly special since the Rotarians offer scholarships to 10 students to honour Murry Dryden’s name.

At the completion of the distribution we were able to visit the homes of several of the recipients. The families graciously allowed us to see where the bed kit would be used.

Marg for Team Chennai 2016

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Kolkata: Day 9

Today's distribution was at a school for children with special needs. They were so excited at our coming and even more so at the thought they would be taking home one of our bedkits.

Peggy did an interview with a principal who runs a school of 25 children with severe congenital issues.  The principal used to be in the traditional school system but wanted to help the parents who discovered that their children's needs were not being met in the regular school system.

We were so sad because today Judy O. and Addie had to leave us to return home to the States.  Judy O. is a leading authority on paediatric sleep issues, and her professional knowledge enhanced our experience in working with the children. Every child received from Addie a good luck U.S. penny.  The children were thrilled with this symbol of generosity.

After our distribution, the Rotarians provided us with a delicious lunch of Bengali food.  And indeed, at every distribution, the hospitality has been incredible!

It was hot today, and so, as the children did not have to wear their fleece jackets, we were able to see the beautiful dresses given in our bedkits.

Hard to believe, we have only 2 days to go, but the memories of this intriguing country will remain with us forever.

Team Kolkata 2016
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Belgaum: Day One!

Team Raymond James assisted in the distribution of 1,114 bedkits on this eventus day 1 for the 5 brand new scaw volunteers.  It took a little bit of time to get into a rhythm but we got there very quickly. 

It was a great experience for all of us. 

We arrived into a giant sea of love and for a while surrounded by hundreds of screaming happy children it ‎must have been how the Beatles felt.

The children were very excited to see us and we played balloon volleyball and took their pictures. The kids really loved that. 

At first the kids were shy. but one smile from us and ‎we were rewarded with their beautiful smiles in return. Once inside the site we were treated to singing and reciting their abc,s and numbers but then it was down to the distribution. 

It was a long day but thoroughly rewarding to see the girls in their beautiful ‎new dresses and the boys proudly showing off their new outfits. Getting smiles for the photographs was easy!

The location was very suitable for this purpose and the Rotarians and all the other volunteers were very helpful and integral in the distribution‎.

We are anticipating another incredible  Day 2!

Team Belgaum 2016

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Kolkata: Distribution Days 7 and 8!!

We went to Howrah yesterday and did a distribution to a lot of special needs children.  It was a clear day and the clouds that were threatening passed us by - to our relief.  Judy O, Addie and Lynette tried a chorus line routine for the children - but Radio City would NEVER hire us!  We then tried the hand jive and the parents and children were joining in and laughing with us.  So much fun.

We were then able to visit three homes of recipients of kits from last year.  It was humbling to see how they lived and to what good use they had put the kits to.  When you see the photo, people sometimes ask why are the children getting a kit when they look so lovely.  Let us assure you, they REALLY do need the bedkits!

Apologies for not sending the blog yesterday.  No internet connection.

We then drove to the coast of the Bay of Bengal for a distribution in Contai. We went for a walk along the beach and it was wonderful to breath in the amazing fresh air of the ocean rather than the polluted atmosphere of Kolkata!

After the distribution, the children were so excited when they finally realized that ALL the stuff that they had seen was actually going to be THEIRS.  Judy O said she "felt like a rock star" with all the high fives, cheers and claps she received. We were every bit as excited as the children.

Team Kolkata 2016
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