BARODA: Two front ranking senior help centers in Gujarat -Mangal Jivan in Sedrana Sidhpur taluka and Manav Mandir in Navsari – recently got a big boost for their humanitarian activities with a hefty donation from a California-based charitable organization.
Charitable Care Foundation (CCF) set up 1991, presented total checks for Rs 750,000 to these organizations through one of its founding members and Trustees, Kantibhai Patel to help them carry out their program of providing shelter and food to senior citizens more effectively.
Kantibhai Patel in a talk to this paper said that his organization ” is proud to have its mission to assist needy people become healthy, productive, and self-reliant realized through these agencies in Gujarat, Our efforts and resources are focused on local and international needs – particularly in the Bay Area of California and India,”
Mangal Jivan Trust, Sedrana, spread in 16 acres of land containing 4000 trees, runs Aastha for seniors and Kalrav, an orphanage for children. Kalrav provides shelter, food, clothes and fees for education, offers training to children up to 18 years. It runs a house for seniors with four dormitories having 14 rooms and a library with 5000 books.
Interestingly, it is also an environment protection program Manav Mandir SBG Charitable trust in Navsari operates Vridharam, providing shelter, food to inmates, library, recreation and medical facility that helps the life of seniors. Set up five years ago, it has expanded its facilities from 222 residents in 2008 increased to 360 residents with additional rooms now. It plans setting up a facility that would offer vision to blind
Kantibhai, accompanied by his wife Kalaben Patel, said that his organization has raised and distributed funds around the world. Funds so distributed are used for medical, surgical and emergency services, eye camps, educational and hospital building, housing for senior citizens, food package distribution during flood and cyclone disasters, thanks giving dinners, tsunami and earthquake victims.
CCF has been organizing Raas-Garba, film and folk dance competition. It’s last such competition was participated by more than 560 performers and 40 choreographers. “By doing this yearly fundraising event, CCF has increased community awareness in helping needy, deserving poor, sick, and hungry around the world,” it says.
Vaidehi Patel
India Post News Service