Pune: A Valentines Day distribution

From Pune 2010 Photos

The SCAW Pune Team wants to assure those who are concerned for our welfare and tried to contact us following the media reports of the bombing in Pune. We are all fine and continuing "Business as usual." We had no indication of the blast at 7:30 PM. Apparently it took place 4 - 5 km. distant from our hotel. Although there were bulletins on the TV News Channels we weren't really concerned.

When we awoke in the morning and read the newspaper headlines we were reassured when Aloysius Pereira, the leader of the SCAW Rotary Project visited us at our hotel. Aloysius had already received a call from Linda Webb and had informed her that our team was in no way affected by the bombing. We talked with Aloysius and all agreed to continue with our scheduled distribution at a site west of Pune.

From Pune 2010 Photos

Approaching the Day Two distribution site we saw numerous children and their caregivers on the side of the road. It wasn't long before some hitched a ride with us in our convoy of cars. I think that we were as excited as they were.

We have marvelled at the unity of purpose that exists amongst the different volunteer groups at each site. Rotarians, community elders, school officials, teachers, local youth that turn out to help, all pitching in with a common purpose to help the children in their communities. After giving out another 978 bedkits we were all tired but inspired. We just felt lucky to be spending our Valentines Day in this way.

After the last bedkit was given out we were asked to join the community in a "home-cooked" meal. It was heartwarming and humbling to be treated so kindly by people willing to share what little they have.

Tomorrow we travel further into the countryside but have fewer (493) bedkits to deliver. We're sure that it will be as inspiring as today.

Dave Dryden
for Team Pune 2010

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