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| From Pune 2009 Photo Album |
This was our first "off day" following three hectic and productive days of distributions.
The morning started at 8:30 when the Rotarians picked us up for a visit to St.Crispins Orphanage. This is where it all began 39 years ago. Dad gave out 50 bedkits and stayed up all night with his camera at the ready to photograph the children getting their first night's sleep with the comfort of a bedkit. Needless to say he learned very quickly that the excitement of receiving the bedkit meant that he had a long wait before the the children fell asleep.
Following an initial tour of the Home we were surprised to find that the director Mr. Charles had arranged for some of the early bedkit recipients to return for today to meet with us. The conversations that ensued were priceless.
We were hoping that on this trip we would be able to find a way to publicly acknowledge the great work of our Pune partners, the Rotary Club of Pune Cantonment. They were kind enough to arrange a press conference for us. With over twelve reporters in attendance, we had an hour to tell the SCAW story and to express our thanks with SCAW volunteers such as Shamaldas Parekh in attendance.
This has been a special day for the Dryden/Burton families.
Tonight the Rotary Club from Belgaum has invited us to a function in celebration of the Millionth Bedkit. Eight members of their SCAW Committee are driving up to Pune this afternoon for this function (an 8-hour drive).
What has been so satisfying from my perspective has been the work of Dad's four great grandchildren, Theo, Jeff, Anaka, and Chris. They are truly fully functioning as full team members with so much energy and caring. We are proud of them.
Much more to tell on our return.
Dave Dryden
for the Pune team
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