Imagine Volunteers @ Shishu Bhavan

As an activity of  the  Reach Out Club,  a visit was organized to Nirmala Shishu Bhavan, one of the Institutions of the Missionaries of Charity (Mother Teresa’s) in Bangalore located at Lingarajapuram. 

 

The imagine Trust through its volunteers was in charge of feeding the children and cleaning the children’s home. The volunteers were asked to assemble at the venue at 8am on Saturday, 29^th June 2013.  This time was selected based on the schedule of the activities at the centre.

Sr. Kusumam, the person in-charge of  Shishu  Bhavan  briefed the 21 volunteers to treat all children alike, not to show any  preference for any particular child.  She also explained  how the children are helpless and we have to see God in them. 

 

Then the group was divided into 2 groups, one opted for feeding the children which included washing their plates  and the other took up the task of cleaning the dormitory and changing the bed linen.   After completing the respective jobs,  some of the volunteers also helped in washing  and drying their clothes.  For the task of feeding, the staff provided semi solid food which had to fed to all the children. The bedding and the linen is changed everyday because most of the children soil them multiple times in a  day. Clothes need to be washed several times to ensure hygiene and they are also rinsed in antiseptic lotion.

The day’s activity ended at 11.30 am with a briefing of The Imagine Trust to the volunteers.

As a practice, The Imagine Trust encourages volunteers to carry utility items. This is optional. Some volunteers chose to bring items whereas some contributed in cash. A total of Rs 11000 was collected in cash. This cash was utilized to buy the items. 

The items  which were generally those used  for the children in the institution such as Cerelac, Lactogen,  Chips, Soaps,  talcum powders,   diapers, toothpastes,  medicines,  multi-vitamin drops,  Dettol,  Dettol Hand wash,  Cooking oil,  Phenyl,  Harpic toilet cleaner, etc.  A detailed list is given below.

Feedback was collected at the end of the event. As expressed by the Volunteers, it was a great experience .   They were really moved with pity to see those innocent  children who are helpless because of their physical and mental  conditions.  Many of them expressed their desire  to visit Shishu Bhavan again.

 

Feedback :

• "Expecting much more of this  kind of activities"  - Ganesh  M
• "Awesome, wonderful experience.  Feeling very happy.  Thank you so much" - Akshara Ruchita
• "It was a great experience to be here to know such wonderful people.  Wish to be part of this association always.  Thank you". - Sangeetha
• "It was great experience to be part of Imagine Trust". - Kavitha K
• "Had nice time with Shishu Bhavan and would like be part of Imagine Trust." - Nalini
• "I would like to join you people hence forth.  Thank you". - Guna
• "Loved it.  Would like to do many more such initiatives with you all". - Sunanda Ramesh

Learning to Share by Gladys Noronha

We live in a fast moving world which has resulted in a lack of time for ourselves or for others.   We are caught in our day to day busy schedules which sometimes make us forget who we are and why we live.  We often bypass  the  essence of our living, to make our lives more worthwhile and fruitful for others.

The society is full of corruption and hatred.  We hear and witness so many unhealthy things and incidents happening around us.  The root causes for these are: man has become more self-centered,  more greedy  for power, wealth, name and fame.  Man wants to amass material wealth by any means, many a times through unjust means.   While doing this,  he forgets his moral and spiritual values in life.

Sharing is one of the most important aspects of one’s life.  In every religion the importance of sharing is emphasized.  Sharing means giving of yourself in one way or the other.  Sharing can be done in many ways.

As little children, we were taught to share with our siblings. As we grew, in school, we were taught to share with our friends and classmates. However sharing is more than just giving of what we have in excess.

The easiest way to remind ourselves of this simple value is by sharing material goods with the needy and those who are less fortunate. God in His mercy has blessed us with everything that we need for our daily life.  Many times, He gives us more than what we require so that we can  share them  with those who have less.  God loves a cheerful giver.  God the Father uses the same measure that we use for others. If we give to others, God will reward us tenfold.

In the Bible it is said that after the resurrection of Jesus, the members of the early Church were one in mind and heart.  No one said that any of his belongings was his own but they all shared with one another everything they had.  God poured rich blessings on them.  There was no one in the group who was in need………. The money was distributed to each one according to his need.  (Acts. 4:32-35)

Buy a meal for a poor person who you see on your way to college/work. On special occasions such as birthdays and anniversaries, remember those who are not as lucky as you. Instead of that expensive pizza treat, share a few chocolates or pastries in an orphanage. When you have too many clothes that you have outgrown, find people to share them with. The list goes on.

Sharing of material goods does not always mean giving  of what we have in excess.  True sharing is also when we feel the pinch of giving.  “A bone to the dog is not charity.  Charity is the bone shared with the dog when you are just as hungry as the dog” says Jack London, an American author, journalist, and social activist.

Sharing of spiritual gifts is a gift in itself. This includes love and kindness. “Love only grows by sharing.  You can only have more for yourself by giving it away to others“ says Brian Tracy, the famous motivational speaker and author.   If the Lord has been good to you, share the same with those around you and with those who need them the most. Each of us is blessed with various spiritual gifts of the mind and heart.  There are so many people around us who need a  kind  gesture, a loving word, a listening ear.  Let us  be generous in sharing this God given gift which He has bestowed on us freely. 

Sharing of one’s  ideas and knowledge can be not only be a way of imparting information but can be beneficial too.  Sharing of knowledge can be done at any time, anywhere.   It can be in the work place, or home or on the way  while going for work or returning home.  It could be our friends, neighbours or  family members.  Again, knowledge and wisdom are God’s gifts to us.  By sharing our knowledge with others, we not only enrich ourselves but  make others better.

We are  blessed with so many talents.  We may know of them or may not be aware of these talents  we have.  So, let us be ready to share them with others in whatever way we can.  God has given us talents so that they can be used for others, for their welfare and by doing this,  we may be grateful to God the Giver of all gifts.

Money and resources are easier to share. But sharing of one’s time is priceless.  Very often we take  ‘time’ for granted.  Time is a precious gift, more valuable than precious possessions.  Let us give our time to listen to others,  to those who are lonely, aged, abandoned,  children, patients  in the hospitals, the sick and the bed ridden in their homes.  Let us spend a few minutes  of this precious time with them, to understand their suffering, to understand what they feel,  to be one with them.

 

All of us,  some time or the other have experienced the joy of receiving, now is the time to enjoy the joy of giving and sharing. After all, sharing is caring!

A different Joy of Giving @ Imagine

You’ve heard it on Radio, you’ve read it in the papers, you probably even heard at work….No it’s not the T20 matches but a much greater and more important concept, The Joy of Giving Week (JGW).

So just to tell you a little of what JGW is, we borrowed some stuff from Wiki. Here goes! The Joy of Giving Week (JGW) is a "festival of philanthropy" that aims to become a part of the Indian ethos, with the Week being celebrated every year covering Gandhi Jayanti by engaging people through "acts of giving" - money, time, resources and skills - spanning the corporate, NGO and government sectors, schools, colleges and the general public. It was originally called "India Giving Week".

At Imagine, we spent some time thinking of this wonderful concept - JOY OF GIVING. Wonderful, isn’t it? We are so used to ‘taking’ all the time, because it is easy. Nothing wrong in that, but there comes a time when we must learn to give as well. Give of ourselves and of what we have.

This week we would like to focus on giving of ourselves through 7 different ways. Let’s call each of these items gifts that we can give to ourselves and those around us.

1.       Gift of Appreciation

Psychologists rate this as a very important aspect in self-esteem and emotional well-being. Well, we don’t need to know psychology but each of us definitely knows how good we feel when we are appreciated. Appreciate – it does not cost anything. Had a good breakfast – thank you mum, wife or cook who made it. Thank the boy who delivers newspaper. He has to wake up two hours before you, to ensure you get your paper on time.

2.       Gift of patience

We’ve all driven people up the wall at some time or the other. The least we would expect back then was patience. The gift of patience is priceless. In our relationships, when we come across parents, partners and friends who don’t do things our way, just exercise patience. Let them be. When you lose your cool, the only person at loss is you.

3.       Gift of Love

Unconditional love. Wondered what that means? Just love…without conditions or expecting anything back in return. I know this is better said than done. But whats the harm in trying. Lets take one relationship in our lives and see how we can love unconditionally.

4.       Gift of Time

Phew! All was well until someone asked us for time. Who has the time to give time? Remember the time your mum rushed home from work to ensure you had your playtime before dusk. Remember how your dad each day brought the cycle out to teach you cycling. Now is the time, spend time with people who matter to you. There will always be work, traffic, Facebook and TV. But people and relationships won’t be here forever. Make time every single day to spend a few minutes of quality time with your parents, spouse and children.

5.       Gift of knowledge

Thanks to our double degrees and our smart phones, there is probably nothing we don’t know. Knowledge shared is knowledge doubled. If you know something that your friend doesn’t, share it. And we are not talking of hot gossip here. But genuinely share. There is no point heading to the grave with lots in the head. Teach your parents how to use email, teach your maid English, read news to you grandparents….it’s all about sharing knowledge.

6.       Gift of forgiveness

Ah! Why this??? Well, it’s the beginning of peace is what we have learnt. We all have a list of people who have hurt or angered us. And that pain is something we would never let go off. Forgiveness brings about wonders. And of course it’s not easy, but once you have forgiven someone from your heart, you will know that you are free. Reach out to that friend who hurt you long ago, “Hey you know what, I forgive you from my heart”.

7.       Gift of prayer

Oh we are so busy, that we have no time for even God in our lives. When you find all the doors closed, remember that God opens a special window only for you. You just have to ask him to. Faith in God keeps million alive. Pray for everyone you think needs help. Prayer not only refreshes our faith but also keeps us going through rough times. An interesting exercise to do is to count your blessings and thank god for them.

We are neither preachers or have we seen life for over 50 years. We just believe in simple things and realize how simple, thoughtful ways can change the world around us. We hope you enjoyed our tips on the Joy of Giving.