At Project Help we often use the hashtag #smallstepsbigpurpose
We are delighted to share 3 BIG things in the life of Project Help India, each of which started by taking that first small step … a simple step taken as a gesture of love with the purpose to meet a need that we see before us.
A most special wedding gift
I (Doug) first met Sharafat in 2015 after hearing of the news that he was badly injured after being hit by a car while walking on the roadside. The driver was on their phone. I visit Sharafat and his family every time I go to India, and he has become a dear friend who teaches me a lot about life, especially courage in the face of adversity. Since his accident Project Help India has supported him and his family with counselling, disability advocacy and financially with 1000rupee ($18AUD) a month. Our Project Officer writes;
Today I am writing this report about Sharafat who was once been a part of our Slums Centre. Over 6 years ago he met with an accident and got injured in his spine and has been bed ridden since then. Sharafat belongs to a poor Muslim family in which his one brother is the only source of income who sells kites and other few toys and makes his earning. Project Help India gives a small monthly support to this family. During this recent lockdown the help we have given is the only finance the family has received and they have bought food just twice.
There are many festivals and related rituals in India, and a wedding is the most personal of these. For a brother, his sister’s marriage is significant. A brother and sister go through the thick and thin of life together, so when his sister gets married, he must buy a gift, which for his sister will be the most special of all the gifts she receives. For Sharafat, it was his sister who gave up her education to be able to pay for his medical expenses and care for him from the first day of his disability, and every day since.
Because Sharafat is disabled and cannot afford any gift for his sister’s marriage, he has no money, he can only dream of a gift. His disability is his curse, his shame and disappointment. But in his heart somewhere he has an idea and a hope, to ask for help from Mr. Amit Samuel, as Sir is the only one person other than his family, who have always stood by him. So, on 1st July Sharafat made a call to Mr. Amit Samuel Sir that it’s his sister’s marriage next week and he wants to gift a refrigerator to his sister. That same day in the evening Project Help India bought a fridge worth 16,800rupees ($300AUS) and sent it to Sharafat’s home.
This gift was the most unbelievable thing that had ever happened to the family Sharafat’s sister was in tears after seeing the gift, the family thanked a lot to Project Help India. We want to thank God and our wonderful sponsors, who made this dream come true for these people.
During my last visit I (again Doug) chatted with Sharafat as he told his story -so if you would like to meet him click here.
375 000 meals made possible in 2020
2020 was a year of disruption, uncertainty, disappointment and for many, broken dreams. For most people in the slums of India, COVID brought fear, desperation, and hunger - especially during the 6 months of lockdown and restrictions. For many families, the support we provided was predominantly their only access to food and meals. Again, it was the generosity of our supporters, packaged with the efforts, persistence and creativity (in solving new and challenging problems) of our teams in Kotdwara, Bijnor and Chandigarh, that made it possible for us to either cook, or provide the cooking ingredients for approximately 375 000 meals. I am sure you’ll agree that this is a very BIG number! We are proud of this achievement and I honour our teams who worked so hard to make this possible.
Attached link here is our Annual Report for 2020, which outlines the many things that Project help India achieved across the year. As you will see, so much happened in just one year! Thank you Sue G, for helping with the financial summaries in the Annual Report.
Thank you ‘Janus Henderson Investors’
Last month we were thrilled, delighted, blown away (all understatements!!) to win a prize of $40 000US. This was all made possible thanks to a Claremont Dad who had heard about Project Help India and nominated us in the ‘2021 Charity Challenge’ where Janus Henderson employees are invited to nominate charities that they would like to give some extra support. Through this process we were awarded 1st Place of all 31 nominated charities in Asia and 3rd Place internationally. How incredible is this! These funds will specifically be directed to our work in educating and caring for children, and women’s empowerment. The announcement on the Janus Henderson LinkedIn page can be found here. It is such an encouragement for us to be recognised in this way, and the prize provides us with impetus for our vision to expand further.
Actually, it’s $40k and we are incredibly grateful.
Small steps of love
The small steps that we have taken together have made this big purpose possible. At the end of the day, it’s all about love. I encourage you to never underestimate the power and impact of your love in the lives of your family, friends, neighbours, workplace and community.