What does an old age person or an orphan want?
– A helping hand.
That is our motive behind forming FLORA (Fullness of Love Offered on Righteous Activities), to extend our little help and support to the needy.
FLORA came into existence in 2009 when five likeminded people (from Macmillan) decided to implement the famous phrase in their life – Charity begins at home. Starting with a minimum amount of Rs 100 per person per month they contributed their first offering of Rs 1500 to Little Sisters convent, Chetpet, Chennai, for old age people.
But an undefined rule always remained among the five that no one will remind the other to contribute money. The feeling of “Sharing” should come from within. Slowly more hands joined the initiative (within the company), and more ideas, thoughts and energy started pouring in. Headcount increased to 65 people, but rules remained the same.
First day of every month (the salary day) we contribute towards FLORA.
We don’t remind anyone to contribute for the month.
There is no fixed minimum amount for contribution.
Every one is free to contribute any amount whether it is Rs 10 or Rs 1000.
You must be thinking what is new in extending monetary help towards orphanages and old age homes – so many people do the same thing.
We agree with you, but the difference is that we not only give monetary help to such institutions but spend one weekend in a month with the members of such homes. Because we believe that more than monetary support they need love and affection. They need someone to talk to, to express their views, happiness and sorrows. These are not just words; we experienced this when we were at Brothers of Mine, at Thirunindravur, Chennai.
Brothers of Mine is a house of 23 aged people. We heard about this place through word of mouth. This institution is nowhere visible in the world of web. The building of this home was constructed four years ago but has not been painted till now. Reason: there are more vital necessities pending than painting the building. We contributed Rs 5004 toward utensils and food (such as 27 litre Premier pressure cooker, kadai, karandi (cooking spoons) and biscuits). Members of this house belong to different age groups. A few of them are on the top list of senior-most citizens – 90 plus, but they are more lively than people of our age. A man of 90 plus age turned very emotional when we conversed with him. He held our hands and kissed them. We felt the pain of his loneliness. But somewhere in the corner of our hearts we felt relieved thinking at least we gave him a day of happiness. We spoke to each and every member of the house and noticed how enthusiastic they were while talking to us on various subjects.
Out visit to Brothers of Mine forced us to think deeply on the subject and shortlist the orphanages and old age homes that we would like to approach in the coming months. After this visit we decided not to approach the institutions which are well-established and whose requirements are more towards improving the well-being/comfort of inmates. We need to reach out to those institutions that are not in the Government’s aid list, those who don’t yet have the basic necessities of life – food, water and clothing.
Here is where we need your support. If you know any orphanages or old age homes in Chennai and Bangalore (non-established ones) near your locality or have heard about them, please email me the details at imranshahnawaz@gmail.com and become a link that forms a chain of love.
Disclaimer: The motive behind this write-up is not fund raising, nor is this a promotional activity. This is just to get a small support from individuals – not in monetary form, but by showing us the path to reach the needy, orphanages and old age homes.
