It was an unforgettable day for 50 children at the Helping Heart Trust as they enjoyed an exclusive movie-screening, followed by a series of fun sessions hosted by RC Erode Nexus, RID 3203, to mark Children’s Day.
The initiative led by its chairperson Jenifer Gladious was aimed to provide underprivileged children a joyful experience, one that made them feel special and truly cared for. They were picked up from the special home in a vehicle, and welcomed at the venue with chocolate bouquets that brought smiles on their faces. The celebration was kicked off with cake cutting, followed by movie screening. At the lively DJ session, it was all laughter, dancing, and joy for the young ones. The children returned home after a sumptuous dinner. Erode Parenting Hub was the co-partner.
To mark World Dwarfism Day (Oct 25), the club hosted an awareness rally, followed by a medical camp in an inclusive project costing ₹70,000. The unique procession of differently-abled, dwarfs and stunted persons started from the Government Hospital, Erode, with music bands and rhythmic drums and ended at the District Collector’s Office. Additional SP M Vivekanandan (traffic), flagging off the rally, pointed out that Rotary through this special march has “reinforced the message of inclusion and support for the differently-abled.”
After the rally, a medical camp at the CEEMA Conference Centre screened over 160 people for chronic ailments. “Those identified with health issues were referred to hospitals for specialised treatment to ensure sustained care,” said S Bharanidhar, club president.
He, along with club secretary R Madhumathi and Durairaj, president, Erode District Welfare Association for the Differently-Abled, made arrangements for the success of the medical camp.
The camp venue came alive with cultural performances staged by groups of differently-abled persons, and gifts were distributed, along with lunch and refreshments. The health camp was done with the support of Lotus Hospital, Arasan Eye Hospital and Sumathi’s Dentistry.
Groceries and daily essentials worth ₹40,000 were distributed to 25 differently-abled persons in a joint initiative with the Erode District Welfare Association for the Differently-Abled at an event at the Rotary Hall.
The club built a roof over the dining hall (₹1.25 lakh) at the Government Primary School to ensure that the children can have their meals in a comfortable place. The revamped noon meal centre, which will benefit 350 students, was inaugurated by Erode MP K Prakash.
Ahead of Diwali, the club, supported by the Erode District Fire Office, conducted a fire safety awareness session through demonstration at the Government HS School, Kumalankuttai. The fire and rescue personnel gave a demo of safe handling of firecrackers to prevent mishaps.
Padma Bhushan awardee Krishnammal Jagannathan, a 100-year-old freedom fighter, inaugurated the renovated building of Sri Lakshmana Iyer Hostel, a landmark edifice that has nurtured generations of students in Gobichettipalayam, a small town 22km from Erode. The renovation work was funded by Gunasundari Thangavelu, a club member, and her family, and this hostel upgrade project will benefit 150 students. The inaugural ceremony attended by Erode district collector S Kandasamy was planned and hosted by the club.
“We also presented water bottles with the Rotary Nexus name engraved on it to all the 150 hostel residents,” added Bharanidhar.