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