Children's Fest at LOYOLA College

On 20th February the department of social work , Loyola College organized a grand fest for the street and working children of Karunalaya. Around 250 children participated in this fest. Mr. E. Sarath Babu, Founder & CEO, Food King was the chief guest. In his speech he shared his childhood days that he belonged to a very poor family. He also added that he studied in a kerosene lamp without primary needs apart from his situation he concentrated only on studies rather than anything, His hard work and interest on education helped him to reach greater heights. He emphasized and encouraged the children to concentrate on studies. Children enthusiastically participated in the various competitions like dance, skit and awareness songs.The social work students also entertained the children by dance and skit. Prizes and certificates were distributed to the children. It was a good day for the children to exhibit their talents.

Portrait of Ms. Jutta Bhate

For many years Dr. Hasmukh Bhate (he is Indian, native from Mumbai) and his wife Ms. Jutta Bhate (a German) have been supporting our work through Andheri Hilfe Bonn with considerable donations. Dr. Hasmukh Bhate was a doctor in Germany, now retired. They had three children and two of them died in a very tragic way (one aged 26, the other only 15 years old). Then Ms. Jutta Bhate met with a very severe accident and since then (last few years) she always suffered from great pain. Added to that she was hit by cancer. But still they never lost hope and trust in life. And still they thought of those people, who are worse off. For the last few years they were especially supporting the boys in Karunalaya (first time with a charity concert of Indian music, they arranged in 2009). Ms. Elvira Greiner, President of Andheri Hilfe kept them informed about our good work and usually after a visit to Karunalaya she talked to them.

Dr. Bhate gave a call to Ms. Elvira on 14.10.2010 and told her that his wife passed away 2 hours before. She was so much attached to us and the boys in Karunalaya, that short before her death Ms. Bhate decided that she does not want to have flowers on her grave, but instead donations for the street children in Chennai. Dr. Bhate too felt consoled that they can help the boys even beyond his wife’s death, that he gave a call so soon after her demise. We were really deeply touched Many friends, relatives, neighbours etc. gave a donation for the street boys. More than 6.300 Euros was collected, which was earmarked for the Karunalaya street children project supported by Andheri Hilfe Bonn.

As a mark of respect for the philanthropist Ms. Jutte Bhate, Karunalaya arranged for the unveiling of the portrait of Ms. Jutta Bhate in the Shelter home for street children at Karunalaya on 21^st January 2011 at 6.30pm, during the visit of Ms.Elvira Greiner, President, Andheri Hilfe Bonn, Germany to Karunalaya, India. The Director of Karunalaya was away for training during the visit of Ms. Elvira. However the programme was efficiently organized by the staff team of Karunalaya. Ms. Elvira Greiner unveiled the Portrait of Ms. Jutta Bhate,and expressed that Ms.Jutta Bhate was a great philanthropist who was more concerned about the street children. A minute of silence was observed and prayed for the repose of her soul. The programme was attended by Mr. Santiago, Regional Officer, AHB, Children, Coordinators and Staff members of Karunalaya.

Clowns and Magicians Entertainment at KARUNALAYA

On 19^th February a magic show was conducted in Karunalaya premises. Mr.Sylvian Slugs, Belgian magician and Mr. Paul an amazing juggler performed a magic show for the children. They were from From Clowns and Magician without borders Belgian chapter‏ who visit each and every orphanage, shelter for streets children, school, hospital, slum...and perform free magic-show for the children and adult. To bring joy to children is one of their duties.

About 250 children participated in this show. It was real entertaining for the children. This show was telecasted in Chittram TV, a popular tamil cartoon channel on 26.2.2011 from 10.00 am to 10.30 am.

Christmas Gathering 2010

Christmas Celebration was made possible this year with the generous contribution of the staff members of the Law Firm PELS RIJCKEN & DROOGLEEVER FORTUIJN, The Netherlands. The support became a reality due to the efforts of Ms. Loes Wevers who is a former volunteer of Karunalaya who worked with us in the year 2004 and did a massive relief and rehabilitation work after the Tsunami struck Indian coast on 26^th December 2004. Karunalaya is one of the organisations involved in the relief and rehabilitation of the tsunami survivors in coastal North Chennai, who received a certificate of appreciation from the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu for the work. Loes Wevers was one of the 2 volunteers at that time, whose work was reported by the Dutch television network TV in January 2005. She is fortunately also a staff member of Pels Rijcken & Droogleever Fortuij, The Netherlands, practicising law. This year Pels Rijcken staff members decided to support the street and slum children of Karunalaya for Christmas by way of sharing their goodness through their generous donations.

Ms. Loes Wevers informed the good news that Karunalaya will be supported by Pels Rijcken and their staff and board members for Christmas. It was indeed very happy news, as we were really expecting support for Christmas this year. It was a right time and brought joy and hope for street children. Pels Rijcken provided an opportunity to the Street and slum dwelling children to celebrate Christmas by sharing with street and slum dwelling children with clothes, gifts, fun games and food.

A series of programmes for Christmas and New Year Celebration were organized with Children and staff of Karunalaya.

1. A gala Christmas music and dance for the children was organised by inviting a Rock Eternal Music group. Children had a wonderful afternoon on the 19^th December 2010. 150 children participated and received presents and snacks

2. On 20^th the Karunalaya family Christmas Celebration was held with the Children and staff of Karunalaya with fun games, presents and grand dinner 100 children and staff and volunteers participated.

3. On 22^nd a one day outing was conducted to the nearest forest for a nature trip for the staff

4. New clothes, innerwear and towels were distributed to the 120 street children in our shelter home and slum dwelling children on Christmas Day on 25^th December 2010. Shelter home Children went to Church for Christmas.

5. Delicious Special Food for the whole day, with Grand lunch of Chicken Biriyani, sweets and fruits were given.

6. Christmas Cakes were given to all the children

7. New Year Eve Grand Camp Fire was conducted at the Karunalaya open ground on 31^st evening till midnight

8. 150 children from the pavement dwelling families participated for the Christmas, New Year and Pongal festival fun games, songs and dances. Food, snacks and presents were shared with them.

9. Providing New clothes to 120 children

10. Inner wear and towels to 120 children

11. Provide Special Food to 300 children and community volunteers

12. Provide snacks to 300 children and community volunteers

13. Give Christmas presents and gifts

14. Outing for children and staff