Thursday 19 February 2015

Belgaum: Bailhongal

If this is Thursday, it must be Bailhongal and a 300 kit distribution. We left the hotel  at 8:15 but for some reason the traffic was not as heavy as usual and we made it to Bailhongal ahead of time. Still many children were there and sitting under large canopy.

We were greeted with warm handshakes and again presented with roses.

We started off with a tour of the facility seeing first the location where the children would be served a breakfast. Then we went through the route they would follow to pick up their clothing, have the photo taken and finally get the actual Bedkit. All looked good.

Then it was down to the canopy area to show the children the contents of the bedkit. Loud cheers greeted each item. Pamela brought her marionette CAMEL out and entertained the children while we set up the photo area.

It is amazing to see the different reactions of the children having there photo taken. Some have the biggest grins while others sit stern-faced through the entire process. Some will break into a smile then shyly cover up and if the picture was not captured at the right moment we are out of luck.

We had the help of many Rotarians and their wives as well as many Cadets. There help was very much appreciated.

Following the distribution we get to play the star roll. We are wanted by all for photos. We join a group and then are not sure which of the 20 or so cameras to look at. We are treated as very special people and it is wonderful to be honoured in this way.

When we finally got moving toward our bus the most important picture of the day was requested - several children who had received bed kits rushed up to us asking to have a picture with us.

We then went to a hotel owned by one of the Rotarians for a delicious lunch. Returning to our hotel by  4:30. We may be ready for a light supper at 7;30


Team Belgaum 2015
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