Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Who have YOU helped today?

And its growing...

Today I got a forward from a friend about Indiahelps ... and I felt a rush of pride, happiness and excitement all at once. "Its growing" I thought to myself with absolute glee.

For me, it started with leaving a comment on The Nomads blog saying I cant sit still, I need to be up and doing, and Parul's reply asking us both to attend a meeting. Neither of us knew what it was really about, or what we were even getting into... went to the wrong venue, reached over an hour late, but, we made it. We were about 12 of us at the meeting ... from all walks of life... some Professionals, homemakers, self employed...but all with the single minded focus of wanting to help heal wounds of the families affected by the gruesome terror attacks by devoting our time, energy, resources...whatever it takes.

We began by assigning a few families to each person, and gave ourselves time for home visits. Parallel and simulatenous reports from everyone were streamlined into a google group, compiled onto the blog and eventually a dossier of all case studies was prepared. Streamlining of operations is an interactive everyday affair with members coming up with suggestions, and majority votes being the deciding factor. (I got back from a 4 day break with 197 mails lying unread in the Indiahelps folder) =)

We then moved ambitiously into getting a logo, a badge and now a registered web domain (will be shared once complete). A few meetings with Taj Trust to put forth a few cases to them, as well as an unrelated meeting regarding an RTI application for Surjan Singh later, Kiran and I realised the need for visiting cards, and interim cards have been handed out to the founder members.

Yesterday hopefully, the final papers for the Indiahelps Bank account have been filled in ... Cant wait to be up and running and officially registered... its a whole new rush. And to think we were all unknown strangers who came together under one cause --- Im in awe of the women who make me want to give off myself more, with their sheer focus and hardwork. Dilnavaz, Prachi, Kiran, Sumita, Rohini, Priyanka, Lavanya, Aparna, Sayantani, Vidya. You guys are awe-spiring.

This is Kirans baby... so all credit to her for having the courage, empathy and determination to even dream it up. We're just partnering in this cause that gets bigger each day...
Come, join us. Feel the Magic of giving. After all, all you need is Faith.

4 comments:

Piper .. said...

I didnt know how else to pitch in, so I`ve put up the logo on my blog. Its such a wonderful thing you guys have started. Is there any way for those of us who dont stay in Mumbai,to help?

Serendipity said...

Hi Piper! Thanks for putting up the logo, it will go a long way in letting people know the cause we're workign for..

Since your away, and cant physically be of help you can help in other ways like - contributing an amount (however small) for a family if need be, or even helping us design our website/logo or helping with contacts of lawyers/doctors or offering your advice if you are one...

the list is endless... and the opportunities limitless. dont let distance curb your desire to help. Let me know, we can take this forward for sure.

Piper .. said...

I could ofcourse give medical advice, since i am a doctor. But that becomes a lil ambiguous without directly interacting with the patients. But if you guys think it`ll help, I`m all for it. Secondly I can definitely contribute an amount to help needy families..will you please let me know how i can proceed with this? I`m really interested. My email is piperish@gmail.com. I couldnt find your email id. Or else i wouldve emailed you.

Serendipity said...

you can mail us directly at indiahelps@gmail.com.
will keep your offer in mind, and definitely take you up on it... Have also book marked your email id.
will mail you my personal id as well.. thanks!