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

From desire to action… by Vinod Lobo

The word “Imagine” inevitably brings to mind the classic work of legendry John Lennon of Then Beatles. The world knows him for this compositions and singing. It was this intellectual who dared to tell the world to aspire for a free world where everyone lived in peace.

All of us want to live in a peaceful, prosperous country where there is brotherhood and no one sleeps hungry. Ask any youth and he/she will tell you that they wish for no corruption, no war, no crime but only harmony.

The Imagine Trust is the story of a group of youngsters who wanted to do their bit towards building that one world heralded by Lennon.

In a fast paced city of Mangalore two college boys were engrossed in loads of extra-curricular activities. They met each other in a forum for social service. This friendship grew deeper and the good work that happened at their hands brought many link-minded people together. This was the birth of Imagine. But it all actualized when their hands were strengthened by to more members. This group of four formed The Imagine Trust.

The Imagine Trust believes in bringing together people who want to work towards any social cause. Be it recording books for the visually impaired or organizing a career development camp.

Here there is no long term commitment or meetings which you have to attend. It’s just reaching out to those who are in need at the time when you are free. We have been blessed with numerous talents. With Imagine you can channelize them towards a social cause. If I am good with dance, I can teach them to kids of a poor locality. If I am good at technology you can build a website for a poor school or a genuine NGO. The list is endless.

We have several projects running parallel.

·        Imagine Talking Books -  Record books for the visually impaired

·        Imagine Sponsorship– Sponsoring poor children’s education

·        Imagine Celebrations– Birthdays, marriage, anniversary or any special occasion, celebrate it with sponsoring food or items to the needy

·        Imagine Inspire – Career guidance for youth

Those interested to have some fun and spend their free times changing lives write to us at theimaginetrust@gmail.com

Visit our website www.theimaginetrust.com