Belgaum - 800 children!

 

Yesterday was the largest distribution - 800 bedkits and it was one of the hottest days so far.  Luckily it was in Belgaum so we did not have to travel out of the city.  The children were bused in staggered lots so all 800 did not arrive at once.  The children were fed a meal consisting of a sandwich, banana, juice box, and a piece of chocolate provided by one of the Rotarians who has done this for the last 17 years. 

 

After we had photographed approximately 250 kids everything ground to a halt as VIP's came to visit- we had the police commissioner from the district, the district deputy governor and even the monk from a  temple we visited last week.  We resumed after an hour or so and at the end of the day we balanced so all was good!

 

Lita Fearon

for Team Belgaum

 Dignitaries came to visit

Playing with the children while final count  taking place

Photo op

Girls comparing their outfits

 

The wives of the Rotarians feeding the children

Ramdurg - 400 more children receive bedkits!

Our distribution of 400 bed kits at Ramdurg went very smoothly.

The site was compact and efficient. Canopies in the schoolyard protected all from the very warm sun. Again the Rotarians greeted us with flowers, this time necklaces of marigolds which were much heavier than one would think.

The children were all quietly waiting for us to arrive . Upon our arrival excitement reigned .

Again the women of the Inner Wheel and the young people in training to be Rotarians were there eagerly assisting. Some kids gathered on the roof of the school to watch the event.

Sue was ready at the camera for picture taking and the team members organized the children for their picture"

Children lined up for their shoes, sweaters, school supplies, raincoat and bed kits.

As they left they had a very full and heavy bag and were extremely happy!

Parents and /or friends often greeted them and assisted in carrying their bags.

Here in India many farm animals run free range. As you can see pigs  were hanging out in the school yard.

This area of the country is a farming area and more green than some other areas we have been to likely due to  irrigation.

On the way back to the hotel we had the opportunity to visit a most impressive World Heritage Site.

 

Nancy Mongeon

for Team Belgaum

Day 4 - Gokak. A Perfect Distribution Day!

The four steps to a perfect distribution day:

1.  After a relatively short 1 hour drive, arrive in the village of Gokak and be greeted by 200 eager faces.

2.  Be given the opportunity to take the SCAW photos. No pressure - the sign is visible, the children are facing forward, encourage them to smile and then click. Easy as 1-2-3-4.

3.  Watch your fellow team members meet, greet, count and escort these precious children through the process.  

4.  See the joy in your Team Leader's face as she hands the children the bedkit bag.

 It was a great day!

 Kerry Harman

for Team Belgaum

Kerry revels in her role as photographer!

Family Day in Harugiri and Ugar

When we arrived in Harugiri about 10:30 this morning, these children were patiently waiting for us--boys on one side shown here and girls on the other. They applauded our arrival and then applauded each of the 27 items in the bed kit as we showed them what they would be getting. Such excitement! 

 

All in all, a very successful day with 590 bed kits delivered to 590 children through the SCAW family on Family Day in Ontario.

Donna Crossan for Team Belgaum

Boy & Girls waiting.

 

 

The mothers of the children were waiting under a separate canopy and were a lovely riot of bright colours in their saris. Very gracious and many smiles of appreciation because of the gifts to their children.

After an exceptionally smooth distribution at Harugiri,  we got back on the bus to go to Ugar to deliver another 300 bed kits.  This colourful picture shows the women who helped deliver the sweaters, raincoats and bed kits there.

These young men worked very hard at the actual distribution of the bed kits. Since many of the smaller children could not lift the kits, these willing volunteers carried a total of 290 bed kits from this area to the exit to be reunited with their parents.

 

Nipani - 400 bedkits!

The SCAW team is well.  All six were at the Nipani distribution and with the help of the Rotarians and the Inner Wheel made 400 children very happy.

Happy Valentine's Day from Team Belgaum

Belgaum Distribution Day 1

The team of 2 left the hotel for the 2 1/2 hour drive to Athani - the other 4 members being left behind in sickbay. We arrived on site to a large gym amid the cheering and clapping of 300 children which sounded like a beehive. The local Rotarians had the gym cordoned off for easy flow of children. Sue snapped the pics and I gave out the bed kits with the help of a few Rotarians. Smooth distribution and Sue passed the test with flying colours.

Lita Fearon for the Team

Pre distribution days in Belgaum

Although our distributions have not yet begun, we have been spending time getting to know our Rotarian OVP's here in Belgaum and learning about all the behind the scenes work that goes into getting the bedkits ready.

We were honoured to be invited to the home of Sonal, one of the Rotarians, for a lovely traditional Indian breakfast on Thursday. We learned so much not only about Indian cuisine, but many of their family and cultural traditions.  

We then went through the markets to the place where the clothing is made for the bedkits. Each little girl receives two colourful frocks and a petticoat and the boys two shirts and shorts. The material is of very high quality as is the workmanship. The tailor here even attends each distribution is case there are any adjustments needed to the clothing. Wonderful dedication! 

Next we visited the sweater factory and met the elderly gentleman who started the establishment many years ago. They make all the sweaters  for the  local school uniforms, yet always find time to make sweaters for the SCAW bedkits as well. Again, the quality and workmanship are top notch.

Finally we were honoured to be taken to the Rotary Sports Centre, to visit the swimming pool where 1000 children, including many who are disabled and underprivileged are offered lessons daily. It was inspiring to see how the Rotarians of Belgaum are helping all these children, in addition to the 4000 we will be giving bedkits to, starting tomorrow!

Chennai: Team finishes up in Andaman Islands

The last day of distribution on January 30th saw the completion of 5,000 bedkits.  1,000 of those were distributed in three locations in the Andaman Islands.  In partnership with The Rotary Club of Ambattur and The Rotary Club of Port Blair, the final 450 bedkits were handed out to some very happy children.  The distribution in the Andamans happens every two years and involves a lot of travel (plane, boat, and van).  But, the need is there and our Rotary Partners are a joy to work with.​  Wifi has been intermittent over the last few days so our blogs have been delayed.

Today, February 4th, we say Good-bye to our Rotary Partners who have been gracious, generous and very hospitable.  We take this opportunity to say "Thank You" to the donors of the 5,000 bedkits that we had the pleasure and privilege of presenting them to 5,000 very beautiful and happy children.

Murray's Dream is intact in Chennai (over 105,000 bedkits distributed through the Rotary Club of Ambattur since 1987).

Team Chennai 2016
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Belgaum: A Look Back At Day Two!!

 We were join by additional team mates, Paul and Rose Allison. The team arrived at a school in Khanapur, 40km outside of Belguam, to 100's of children anxiously awaiting the day! The day proceeded by blowing bubbles and handing out Canadian stickers....they were all very happy!!

We worked very well as a team and the distribution went smoothly. Each of us experienced a touching moment (or 5) that made a profound difference. We all thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to interview families and hear of their appreciation of what we are doing.

After the distribution we were fortunate to have the opportunity to visit a home in a small village of one the recipients. When we arrived were greeted by numerous children whom had received a bedkit earlier in the day. We quickly realized the impact on this small village. We were moved by the love and sense of family that exists in these challenging conditions.

Team Belgaum 2016
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Kolkata: Our Last Day!

Hard to believe that we have come to the end of our distribution!  At the start, 5,000 bedkits seemed a high number - and how do you deal with that? It is one child at a time.
Being mindful of their nervousness, excitement, disbelief that they are getting all these goodies and then the TOTAL JOY in knowing that they are.

Team Kolkata came to "give out bedkits". WE have been given so much more!  We have learned about a different culture, tried exotic new foods, met the most amazing, dedicated people who do all in their power to help the children - and have grown in the process.

The Rotary Club of Dum Dum is celebrating their 50 th anniversary.  Yesterday we gave out their 100,000 th bedkit. It was the anniversary of Murray's passing.  All momentous occasions that were honoured in our farewell dinner.  Judy recognized the huge contribution that the Dum Dum club has made to SCAW and gave them family photos of the Dryden family, their Pinehurst home and a copy of Murray's book, inscribed by Dave with a special message.

It has become a tradition that the SCAW team do a song for our hosts - so last night with Don as our choir director, we did "The 12 days of distribution" ( with apologies to "The 12 days of Christmas").  They roared - as did we at our attempts.

And then - almost everyone was on the dance floor and we went crazy dancing to disco,   Abba, YMCA and Bollywood - That was the most fun!  So at 11:00pm we went to bed and are now packing...!

Thanks for following our adventures and we hope you have enjoyed our experiences as much as we have.  THANK you donors for enabling us to help these beautiful children.

Team Kolkata 2016
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