Kolkata: Our first distribution

Today was our first distribution day in Kolkata. To start off, we experienced a couple of hiccups when the van that was to take us to the first of our two distribution locations had mechanical problems. A replacement vehicle was organized but things got more interesting when almost immediately that car got a flat tire. Pulling out of the way of traffic in a city of such size and commotion is not easy, but our driver found a safe spot, changing the tire as cars, bikes and people flowed by.

James helping to change a flat

We arrived at the morning location in one piece and only a bit behind schedule and were greeted by our hosts, The Rotary Club of Dum Dum. The Rotarians do all of the local work required to make the Kolkata SCAW distribution a success, including identifying the children and sourcing all of the materials included in the bedkit. This year's kit is packed with items the children will use and value for a long time: a nylon mat, mattress, pillow, blanket, sheet, mosquito net, clothing, sandals, umbrella, backpack, school stationary dictionary and study materials.

preparing the bedkits

We were lucky to have a cool comfortable location to organize the 100 children in the morning group, take their photos and hand out the bedkits. As someone who has not previously been on a SCAW distribution, all I can say is: WOW! The children are almost overwhelmed by the good fortune of receiving the bedkit with all of its contents. Smiles light up their faces as they head out with such a treasure trove. Their parents are clearly equally grateful, offering thanks and their own warm smile as they collect their children, bedkit in hand.

Lynn handing out a bedkit

After a busy morning we moved to another location in the city where we were supported by the Rotary Club of Calcutta North East, as well as again by the Rotary Club of Dum Dum. As the sun sat high in the sky we handed out bedkits to another 500 smiling children.

Greeted by North Calcutta Club with flowers for afternoon distribution

After the last (and almost tiniest) child collected their bedkit, the SCAW team tidied up and headed back to our hotel feeling very satisfied by the efforts of such a successful day.

Happy Children

Lynn Benson
Team Kolkata 2015
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