I am writing from the Mumbai trip to say that we are having a terrible time trying to connect our computers to the internet. The first hotel service was down and the next two accommodations don't even pretend to offer the service. So our blog will be a bit sparse for now. Two notes are written but sit on Dave's computer awaiting a connection.
We have been incredibly busy the past couple of days. The Rotarians here are amazing as they have collected all the items for the bedkits and spent a long time organizing and packing them together into the large white sacks. All the clothing has to be sorted female/male and by size in order that it fits correctly. The local Rotarians also make contacts with schools, orphanages, and other places in order to select the neediest of children. Then they arrange transportation to bring these wee souls to the
distribution sites. This can be a distance of up to about 50 km and travel in India is very slow so these trips can take a few hours at least. After the distribution the children pile into their often very tiny vehicles for the return trip. Snacks are provided for the children as they arrive and have to wait for us. This is all at the expense of the local Rotary Clubs. So their contribution is huge.
With all they do, they can't thank us enough. They are overwhelmed with the generosity of the people who contribute to this charity. They told us today that if we could send more money they could easily find the children. I don't doubt it at all since the poverty here is unbelievable.
If each donor could but see the joy in the eyes of one child receiving a bedkit, he or she would know that this gift to SCAW was worth every penny.
Cathy,
Signing off for the SCAW 2008 Mumbai Team
Doug, Ted, Dave, Marsha and Donna
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Thursday, 31 January 2008
Chennai: The Team has Arrived
The SCAW 2008 Chennai Team: (left to right)
Tom Belton (Team Leader), Julie Coad, Leslie Fields,
Jean Hutton, Cindy Harris, and Gray Cavanagh.
(Click to enlarge.)
Greetings from Chennai to everyone.
Our Team arrived in Chennai at 12:40 AM after a long 30-hour trip from Toronto that included a 4-hour stop in Paris. We were greeted by two of our host Rotarians and nice warm weather. To say we were weary would be an understatement.
To the schools in Spencerport, New York, Orleans, Toronto, Ontario, and Calgary, along with the church Sunday Schools in Kanata and elsewhere, we say "Hello" and "Thank you for your support." We feel your presence with us.
Our team hopes that the reports that are to follow will offer everyone an insight into this very important distribution. Each of our members will take turns giving their impressions and sharing their thoughts with you. It is our aim to describe things in a way that will make feel like you are here with us.
Our first Distribution is tomorrow, Friday, February 1st — by the way, we are eleven and a half hours ahead of the time in Ontario. Our first three distributions are in the Chennai area. They should appear on your computer quite soon after they occur.
On Sunday night, February 3rd, we leave Chennai on an extended 8-night trip to 4 rural locations to distribute 2,758 bedkits. Depending on our abilities to establish internet connections, you will hear from us. Should it not be possible, don't despair as we will send these reports upon our return to Chennai.
Thank you for your interest and support. We are looking forward to a wonderful experience ahead of us. The satisfaction in knowing that we are representing all our donors by distributing these much valued bedKits is what empowers us.
So tighten your belts, our travels are about to begin.
Regards from us all.
Tom Belton, Team Leader
for the SCAW 2008 Chennai Team
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Chennai: Leave your comments here
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Wednesday, 30 January 2008
Kolkata: Final Report
Our travels are over, and we are now getting ready to leave Kolkata. Margaret and Mary-Jo have already gone, Irene and Katharine leave tonight, and Jane leaves late tomorrow, Jan 31st.
On our trips to and from distribution sites, it was interesting to see the activities in the countryside. We saw fields of sugarcane, rice paddies, garden vegetables (onions, potatoes, cauliflower), bright colourful flowers (huge dahlias, gladioli, mums), and yellow mustard, which provides a spice and cooking oil for frying fish and the most delicious french fries I have ever had! The odd vineyard could also be seen in some areas.
We drove past groves of mango and orange trees, banana trees and coconut trees. The coconut provides not only juice and the actual coconut as we know it, but the hairy part of the coconut provides filler for mattresses, cattle bedding, and brooms.
Teams of water buffalo ploughed through the soil, driven by men in bare feet, of course. Cattle and goats wondered freely on the roads and streets. Everywhere we looked there were dogs searching for food or lounging in the sun. Any horses we saw were quite emaciated and were used in the tourist areas to pull buggies and provide rides, for a price. While we saw many chickens wandering around, the outbreak of avian flu forbids the selling or buying of chicken and chicken products. However, as one person noted, it is not illegal to eat chicken. Hmmm.....
In the small villages could be seen women working cow dung into small patties and sticking them to the walls of houses, to dry in the sun. These patties are then used for fuel. I think that I will stick to making the simple mudpies as opposed to cowpies.
We noted that India is having the same problem as Canada, in that good agricultural land is being used for large developments, displacing not only animals but also the poor people who have set up a rudimentary shack in which to live.
Brick making was seen, and men, women, and children were involved in some way in the making of the bricks. Loads of bricks were carried on the head, to central areas where they were piled for sale. If you worked really hard, you could make as much as 50 rupees a day, which is the equivalent of about $1.25 a day.
Furniture making was also seen in small shops, and the variety of items showed intricate carving and work. I am sure that only the elite classes would be able to afford, or have the space, to use these items.
This trip has been an educational and rewarding adventure, and I shall certainly miss the wonderful, hospitable Rotary friends we have made. However, I think we have convinced one lady to travel to our country and so we shall perhaps see her soon.
Kathy Watt
... submitted on behalf of the Kolkata Team 2008
Leave a comment here.
On our trips to and from distribution sites, it was interesting to see the activities in the countryside. We saw fields of sugarcane, rice paddies, garden vegetables (onions, potatoes, cauliflower), bright colourful flowers (huge dahlias, gladioli, mums), and yellow mustard, which provides a spice and cooking oil for frying fish and the most delicious french fries I have ever had! The odd vineyard could also be seen in some areas.
We drove past groves of mango and orange trees, banana trees and coconut trees. The coconut provides not only juice and the actual coconut as we know it, but the hairy part of the coconut provides filler for mattresses, cattle bedding, and brooms.
Teams of water buffalo ploughed through the soil, driven by men in bare feet, of course. Cattle and goats wondered freely on the roads and streets. Everywhere we looked there were dogs searching for food or lounging in the sun. Any horses we saw were quite emaciated and were used in the tourist areas to pull buggies and provide rides, for a price. While we saw many chickens wandering around, the outbreak of avian flu forbids the selling or buying of chicken and chicken products. However, as one person noted, it is not illegal to eat chicken. Hmmm.....
In the small villages could be seen women working cow dung into small patties and sticking them to the walls of houses, to dry in the sun. These patties are then used for fuel. I think that I will stick to making the simple mudpies as opposed to cowpies.
We noted that India is having the same problem as Canada, in that good agricultural land is being used for large developments, displacing not only animals but also the poor people who have set up a rudimentary shack in which to live.
Brick making was seen, and men, women, and children were involved in some way in the making of the bricks. Loads of bricks were carried on the head, to central areas where they were piled for sale. If you worked really hard, you could make as much as 50 rupees a day, which is the equivalent of about $1.25 a day.
Furniture making was also seen in small shops, and the variety of items showed intricate carving and work. I am sure that only the elite classes would be able to afford, or have the space, to use these items.
This trip has been an educational and rewarding adventure, and I shall certainly miss the wonderful, hospitable Rotary friends we have made. However, I think we have convinced one lady to travel to our country and so we shall perhaps see her soon.
Kathy Watt
... submitted on behalf of the Kolkata Team 2008
Leave a comment here.
Sunday, 27 January 2008
Kolkata: 6500 Bedkits - Mission Accomplished
Today we received two brief messages from Kolkata. We were told that internet connections were not reliable. However, we learned that the Kolkata 2008 distribution had been completed.
Irene Harrison told us: "We finished today ... a rather long and tiring distribution of almost 1,100 kits. Again we were required to shoot the photos indoors, but the smiles of the children remained the same. Time has flown and we shall soon be home."
Later in the day, we received the following report from Gautum of the Dum Dum Rotary Club: "Today at about 16:30 the distribution of the 6,500th bedkit was completed. We all enjoyed working with Irene and her team. Despite the bad weather we completed the distribution as per schedule. Regards."
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Irene Harrison told us: "We finished today ... a rather long and tiring distribution of almost 1,100 kits. Again we were required to shoot the photos indoors, but the smiles of the children remained the same. Time has flown and we shall soon be home."
Later in the day, we received the following report from Gautum of the Dum Dum Rotary Club: "Today at about 16:30 the distribution of the 6,500th bedkit was completed. We all enjoyed working with Irene and her team. Despite the bad weather we completed the distribution as per schedule. Regards."
Leave a comment here.
Saturday, 26 January 2008
Kolkata: The Second Last Distribution
We got an email from Gautum of the Dum Dum Rotary Club in Kolkata:
"Today we have completed about 5,400 bedkits of our distribution. Suddenly weather in Kolkata is bad. It is raining and cold too. However we are carrying on with the distribution. Tomorrow is our last distribution day. Regards."
Leave a comment here.
"Today we have completed about 5,400 bedkits of our distribution. Suddenly weather in Kolkata is bad. It is raining and cold too. However we are carrying on with the distribution. Tomorrow is our last distribution day. Regards."
Leave a comment here.
Friday, 25 January 2008
Kolkata: Going to the Country
Good morning,
We are heading out to the countryside for a couple of days, 200 kms from Kolkata, to do two distributions.
It rained yesterday and photos were done in a sparse, crowded classroom. It was pouring rain this morning again and we may not be able to capture the scenery of the outlying districts in our pictures.
Our hotel is a popular venue for wedding and anniversary celebrations and we have had the honour of being invited to participate simply by walking down the hall. It's been a wonderful opportunity to sample the culture and customs of Indian society.
West Bengal is plagued with the avian bird flu and we are all on a diet of fish and vegeterian dishes. The food is wonderfully prepared and we are not missing the chicken.
Thanks for all the comments.
The SCAW 2008 Kolkata Team
Leave a comment here.
We are heading out to the countryside for a couple of days, 200 kms from Kolkata, to do two distributions.
It rained yesterday and photos were done in a sparse, crowded classroom. It was pouring rain this morning again and we may not be able to capture the scenery of the outlying districts in our pictures.
Our hotel is a popular venue for wedding and anniversary celebrations and we have had the honour of being invited to participate simply by walking down the hall. It's been a wonderful opportunity to sample the culture and customs of Indian society.
West Bengal is plagued with the avian bird flu and we are all on a diet of fish and vegeterian dishes. The food is wonderfully prepared and we are not missing the chicken.
Thanks for all the comments.
The SCAW 2008 Kolkata Team
Leave a comment here.
Mumbai: Two Days of Distributions Completed
Day 1: We were greeted at 1:00 a.m. at the Mumbai airport by warm, summer evening temperatures. There is no indoor greeting area but instead we spilled outside right away. We all just stopped and appreciated the balmy weather. Raj, the local Rotarian who has arranged much of our distribution details, found us easily and we all piled into his car with all our gear and precious labels.
The first distribution was that afternoon after a much appreciated sleep. Our first challenge was dealing with the Mumbai traffic, noise, and crowds of people who merrily walk down the side of the road without any apparent care for traffic. With some challenges we made it to the distribution site where we gave out 170 bedkits.
The children were lined up in their crisp, clean new outfits and were amazingly well-behaved and polite. How touching it was to have a small boy reach out a hand to shake ours in thanks or to have a young girl bend down and touch our feet in deep gratitude. Suddenly the impact of this gift of a bedkit hit home. It is unbelievable generosity from strangers to these truly needy children.
The local Rotary Club is a young club with very dedicated members who packed the kits, entertained the children, and helped in every possible way to make the distribution go smoothly. At the end they treated us to some fruit and presented each of us with a kind of Basil plant. This plant represents purity and good health if you eat a leaf each day.
As we were still dealing with the time change and long flights, we were happy to reach our hotel, have a meal, and go to bed.
We had two distributions today and so started at 8:00 a.m. to head off to the first site at a school in Goregaon West. School was in session with 1000 of the children attending in the morning and 700 different children going in the afternoon. A few of these children were from the village and many were from farther away. The distribution of 227 bedkits was carried out in the school yard amidst this busy scene. The children were delightful and thrilled to be with us. Their need is apparent.
Once again, the Rotarians and the teachers were very helpful and fed us fresh oranges, bananas, sandwiches, and cookies for lunch. It is always interesting to talk to the local people. We were invited into a grade one classroom and were part of the opening prayers and national pledge. The children also were thrilled to recite some poetry for us. This particular classroom had over 50 children with one teacher and there were very few supplies. This teacher of 13 years demonstrated an amazing positive attitude with grace and dignity.
Meanwhile, in the school yard, we watched the older enrolled students come outside for a physical education class. To the regular beat of a drum, they demonstrated incredible co-ordination and synchronicity as they performed their exercise routine which included wooden dumb bells.
Then we were off to the next site at the local Mumbai YMCA with 248 bedkits to distribute. We learned that each distribution is a bit different and flexiblity and patience are the keys to success. Once again we were very impressed with the excellent behaviour of the children and the help of their teachers. These children make it all worthwhile and we enjoy ourselves as we work.
Signing off for tonight because we are still tired.
The SCAW 2008 Mumbai Team:
Doug, Dave, Ted, Marsha, Donna and Cathy
Leave a comment here.
P.S. Hope you are enjoying the snow. The people here say it is cold. It is approaching plus 30° Celsius.
The first distribution was that afternoon after a much appreciated sleep. Our first challenge was dealing with the Mumbai traffic, noise, and crowds of people who merrily walk down the side of the road without any apparent care for traffic. With some challenges we made it to the distribution site where we gave out 170 bedkits.
The children were lined up in their crisp, clean new outfits and were amazingly well-behaved and polite. How touching it was to have a small boy reach out a hand to shake ours in thanks or to have a young girl bend down and touch our feet in deep gratitude. Suddenly the impact of this gift of a bedkit hit home. It is unbelievable generosity from strangers to these truly needy children.
The local Rotary Club is a young club with very dedicated members who packed the kits, entertained the children, and helped in every possible way to make the distribution go smoothly. At the end they treated us to some fruit and presented each of us with a kind of Basil plant. This plant represents purity and good health if you eat a leaf each day.
As we were still dealing with the time change and long flights, we were happy to reach our hotel, have a meal, and go to bed.
Current Weather:
Day 2: Believe it or not, today was Friday, a surprise to some of us who were still living Thursday in Ontario time.We had two distributions today and so started at 8:00 a.m. to head off to the first site at a school in Goregaon West. School was in session with 1000 of the children attending in the morning and 700 different children going in the afternoon. A few of these children were from the village and many were from farther away. The distribution of 227 bedkits was carried out in the school yard amidst this busy scene. The children were delightful and thrilled to be with us. Their need is apparent.
Once again, the Rotarians and the teachers were very helpful and fed us fresh oranges, bananas, sandwiches, and cookies for lunch. It is always interesting to talk to the local people. We were invited into a grade one classroom and were part of the opening prayers and national pledge. The children also were thrilled to recite some poetry for us. This particular classroom had over 50 children with one teacher and there were very few supplies. This teacher of 13 years demonstrated an amazing positive attitude with grace and dignity.
Meanwhile, in the school yard, we watched the older enrolled students come outside for a physical education class. To the regular beat of a drum, they demonstrated incredible co-ordination and synchronicity as they performed their exercise routine which included wooden dumb bells.
Then we were off to the next site at the local Mumbai YMCA with 248 bedkits to distribute. We learned that each distribution is a bit different and flexiblity and patience are the keys to success. Once again we were very impressed with the excellent behaviour of the children and the help of their teachers. These children make it all worthwhile and we enjoy ourselves as we work.
Signing off for tonight because we are still tired.
The SCAW 2008 Mumbai Team:
Doug, Dave, Ted, Marsha, Donna and Cathy
Leave a comment here.
P.S. Hope you are enjoying the snow. The people here say it is cold. It is approaching plus 30° Celsius.
Thursday, 24 January 2008
Kolkata: 992 Bedkits on Wednesday
Hi All,
On Wednesday the 23rd of January we had a distribution closer to Kolkata. It was only 6 km away and it was a holiday for the "freedom fighters" so the traffic was lighter. It still took us a half hour to drive to the Sudhir Memorial Institute, a school with 1200 children in Grades 1 to 12.
The day was warm with partial sun. Many of the children could speak a little English while others seemed quite overwhelmed by all that was going on. We finished our distribution of 992 bedkits and were invited to the principal's office to freshen up and receive lunch: traditional Indian food of rice, dahl, fish, and fresh fruit.
On the way back to the hotel, since we had finished earlier than expected and the traffic was light we went to visit a Jaine Temple. It had very beautiful grounds and the temple itself had tall spires, columns, and figures. Inside it was all done in mosiac, with coloured glass and mirror on the walls and ceiling, marble floors, and inset shrines backed with mirrors representing infinity. The temple had taken twenty-five years to complete. The Jaine belief is a break away from Hinduism and more towards Buddhism. It is a belief in all life and minimal possessions. The believers sweep with a broom in front of themselves before walking so as not to step on anything and will wear a mask so they don't inhale an insect!
The children at the temple were very attracted to us, greeting us in English and shaking hands. They all had to touch us and learn where we lived. We all felt very famous!
The SCAW 2008 Kolkata Team
Leave a comment here.
On Wednesday the 23rd of January we had a distribution closer to Kolkata. It was only 6 km away and it was a holiday for the "freedom fighters" so the traffic was lighter. It still took us a half hour to drive to the Sudhir Memorial Institute, a school with 1200 children in Grades 1 to 12.
The day was warm with partial sun. Many of the children could speak a little English while others seemed quite overwhelmed by all that was going on. We finished our distribution of 992 bedkits and were invited to the principal's office to freshen up and receive lunch: traditional Indian food of rice, dahl, fish, and fresh fruit.
On the way back to the hotel, since we had finished earlier than expected and the traffic was light we went to visit a Jaine Temple. It had very beautiful grounds and the temple itself had tall spires, columns, and figures. Inside it was all done in mosiac, with coloured glass and mirror on the walls and ceiling, marble floors, and inset shrines backed with mirrors representing infinity. The temple had taken twenty-five years to complete. The Jaine belief is a break away from Hinduism and more towards Buddhism. It is a belief in all life and minimal possessions. The believers sweep with a broom in front of themselves before walking so as not to step on anything and will wear a mask so they don't inhale an insect!
The children at the temple were very attracted to us, greeting us in English and shaking hands. They all had to touch us and learn where we lived. We all felt very famous!
The SCAW 2008 Kolkata Team
Leave a comment here.
Wednesday, 23 January 2008
Kolkata: Celebrations
Everybody loves a parade and this was quite evident on our first weekend in India. January 20 was the Festival of Muharram, a Muslim holiday. On our return to Kolkata from Kharagpur, traffic frequently had to detour, which simply means that a four-lane highway suddenly became a two-lane highway to accomodate parades. We would see colourful lines of people streaming across fields and along laneways to join the throngs of people lining the highway to watch the passing procession. In the parade were large brightly-coloured, sparkling-tinselled replicas of shrines carried by groups of people. Music, singing, and laughter added to the happy festivities.
January 23 was another special day which warranted a day off for schools: students and teachers. This day was a celebration of the Indian Freedom Movement. Open truckloads of people sped up and down the streets shouting and waving flags, in plus 28° C. This was quite a contrast to what we heard from Ontario where the temperature was minus 17° C -- and where schools were closed in some areas due to a snowstorm.
The people of Kolkata certainly show a deep commitment in honouring their traditions and customs.
The SCAW 2008 Kolkata Team
Leave a comment here.
January 23 was another special day which warranted a day off for schools: students and teachers. This day was a celebration of the Indian Freedom Movement. Open truckloads of people sped up and down the streets shouting and waving flags, in plus 28° C. This was quite a contrast to what we heard from Ontario where the temperature was minus 17° C -- and where schools were closed in some areas due to a snowstorm.
The people of Kolkata certainly show a deep commitment in honouring their traditions and customs.
The SCAW 2008 Kolkata Team
Leave a comment here.
Mumbai: The Team is in Transit
On Tuesday afternoon, our second team to India left from Pearson Airport. They'll be distributing 8,500 bedkits in the next few weeks.Sleeping Children's Mumbai travelling team consists of (left to right) Donna Chantler, Marsha Hardy, Ted Swanston, Doug Cunningham, Cathy Gregory, and Dave Dryden.
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Tuesday, 22 January 2008
Kolkata: Four Distributions Completed
It is difficult to access to internet, so expect infrequent contact, but here's a message we were able to send today.
We have successfully completed four distributions and all is going well. The Rotarians are ensuring our comfort and pleasant stay in Kolkata/Calcutta and the surrounding area. We have done distributions in new sites as well as the locations of previous years.
Yesterday's distribution in Barasat was located in the shady comfort of the gardens of a Rotarian's country home. Setting and circumstances allowed us considerable time to spend with the children prior to the distribution. I think we managed to get some great smiles from them in the photos as a result and the occasional North American tradition of a thankful handshake.
As always, we leave each distribution with the imprint of hundreds of joyful smiles of the children. Memories which will stay with us forever.
Regards from all of us,
Irene Harrison, for the SCAW 2008 Kolkata Team
P.S.: We braved crossing four lanes of chaotic traffic to get to this cybercafé. We are tired enough after a long time to brave the return journey in order to get some rest.
We have successfully completed four distributions and all is going well. The Rotarians are ensuring our comfort and pleasant stay in Kolkata/Calcutta and the surrounding area. We have done distributions in new sites as well as the locations of previous years.
Yesterday's distribution in Barasat was located in the shady comfort of the gardens of a Rotarian's country home. Setting and circumstances allowed us considerable time to spend with the children prior to the distribution. I think we managed to get some great smiles from them in the photos as a result and the occasional North American tradition of a thankful handshake.
As always, we leave each distribution with the imprint of hundreds of joyful smiles of the children. Memories which will stay with us forever.
Regards from all of us,
Irene Harrison, for the SCAW 2008 Kolkata Team
P.S.: We braved crossing four lanes of chaotic traffic to get to this cybercafé. We are tired enough after a long time to brave the return journey in order to get some rest.
The current date/time in Kolkata, India:
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Mumbai: Leave your comments here
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- Type the blue letters you see as Word Verification (to prove you're a human).
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Sunday, 20 January 2008
Kolkata: A Brief Message
Hello from Kolkata,
We are having trouble sending blogs as the power keeps going off, but right now we have power!!!!
We're enjoying the distributions.
On the second day we saw over 100 blind and deaf children which really tugged at the heart strings. The children are so quiet and respectful, it is a joy to see them. The Rotary Club of Dum Dum is very welcoming and are entertaining us royally.
Hi, to Tom. We all miss him. Tapan, the driver, misses him too.
Jane Mathieu, for the SCAW 2008 Kolkata Team
Leave a comment here.
We are having trouble sending blogs as the power keeps going off, but right now we have power!!!!
We're enjoying the distributions.
On the second day we saw over 100 blind and deaf children which really tugged at the heart strings. The children are so quiet and respectful, it is a joy to see them. The Rotary Club of Dum Dum is very welcoming and are entertaining us royally.
Hi, to Tom. We all miss him. Tapan, the driver, misses him too.
Jane Mathieu, for the SCAW 2008 Kolkata Team
Leave a comment here.
Saturday, 19 January 2008
Kolkata: The 2008 Distribution is Underway
Current Weather:
Although they haven't had time to contact us via email, the 2008 Kolkata travelling team has phoned to say all is well. They arrived on Wednesday and had completed one distribution when they phoned on Friday.The photo shows Margaret Crossling (left) and Team Leader Irene Harrison at Toronto airport just before takeoff on Tuesday.
Other team members are Katherine Watt, Mary Jo Lang, and Jane Mathieu.
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Friday, 18 January 2008
Kolkata: Leave your comments here
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- Anonymous. In this case, please be sure to include your name at the bottom of your comment.
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