Donation to Baptist Welfare Society: Louise Rutten, an FSL India Volunteer of Netherlands mobilised funds for Baptist Welfare Society which runs a school for children of local slum in Gangawathi. In the beginning when Louise Rutten was placed at this project, there were about 10 children between 4 and 5 years old. On her placement Louise Rutten could feel the need of giving individual attention to each child. By singing songs, teaching dance or teaching lesson in playful way, she was able to make the children smile and happy for a moment. By this she could make an actual impact. She later realized that Baptist Welfare Society could not initiate many activities for children due to lack of funds. The organisation wanted to start an orphanage and full-fledged day care centre for street and slum children. Louise took initiative to raise fund from her parents and friends. She could mobilise 1500 Euros for Baptist Welfare Society and INR 5000 for Karunya Orphanage at Hospet.

Fund Mobilised for De Mercede Orphanage: Lea Knopf and Astrid Janbell raised funds for Mercede Orphanage. The orphanage was initiated in 1943 with an aim to provide Education and Rehabilitation for the poor and socially disadvantageous children. When Astrid Janbell and Lea Knopf worked at Mercede Orphanage, there were 54 children hailing from the most disadvantaged community in Mangalore. Both the volunteers taught English to children, supervised their daily activities supporting in house-keeping such as cooking, laundry, cleaning, and create homely environment. During Christmas Astrid and Lea asked their friends and family to contribute some as Christmas Gift to children. Astrid’s mother who is teacher in Sweden and Lea’s parents who work in a Bank in Germany generously contributed. Lea and Astrid were able to mobilise INR 135,000 from their parents and friends. They did Christmas shopping and purchased lots games sports items, clothes, school bags, shoes, toys, stationeries, story books etc. and presented to the children. They organized a day trip to the zoo and water park for all the children. Eventually the surplus amount INR 60,000, they donated for renovation of the orphanage and construction of toilets which were in dilapidated condition.

Financial Contribution by Work Camp Volunteer to Karunya Orphanage: Ms. Carolyn House from USA who participated in a Work Camp hosted by FSL India way back in 2007 made a donation $ 200 to Karunya Orphanage in Hospet. Indeed with a sense of nostalgia she contacted Mr. Daya, the Coordinator of LTV Program who was her team leader during 2007 Work Camp in Kundapur. Carolyn expressed her willingness to contribute $ 200 for children’s cause. Mr. Daya recommended Carolyn to transfer the amount to Karunya Orphanage. The amount will be used to purchase water purifier for 27 children in the orphanage. The children will have access to clean and safe drinking water.

The management and staff of FSL India would like to place in record deep sense gratitude and extend heartfelt thanks to the volunteers for the self-less service and efforts to raise funds for the projects.