International Volunteer Day Report.

Volunteering Week by Joining Hands Nov 29- Dec 6, 2009 ‘Volunteer to make a difference and join hands to influence positive social change’

To commemorate IVD and reach a wider audience for spreading our message, Joining Hands celebrated volunteering week from November 29-December 6, 2009. As part of the initiative, we invited Corporations to join and involve with us in our efforts to influence and motivate more people to volunteer, by reaching out to the community during this period. Philips and WNS came on board with us by Philips volunteering with our partner NGOs Divya Chaya and Literacy India; and WNS with Sai Kripa.

December 2 and 4, 2009

Divya Chaya

Quiz contests for children in Delhi and Gurgaon were one of the events proposed by Joining Hands. Philips, India sponsored the events on 2nd December at Divya Chaya Trust and 4th December at Literacy India, including gifts for all the children, prizes and snacks. It was a very interactive session and a fun way to encourage and promote learning amongst the students and also brought refreshing change and much joy to the children. Literacy India

December 6, 2009

A monument walk to Qutub Minar was organized on 6th December 2009 for the underprivileged children of our partner NGO Sai Kripa. Employees of WNS, India spent a day with the children. The children were also treated to food of their choice at a MacDonald Restaurant. It was a great outing for the children and they thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

Here is what some of the volunteers from Philips and WNS have to say about the experience with the children: SWAPNIL, PHILIPS: Had it not been for this wonderful initiative by Joining Hands (JH), we would have missed this opportunity of meeting the next generation of our country. JH was most supportive, understanding and helpful. The program management was laudable. Their behind the scene efforts made it all seem seamless. They helped us reach the corners where our little gesture made a positive difference in someone’s life. Three cheers to the entire team of JH. SWATI SAHNI, WNS: It was a wonderful experience to be a part of such a noble cause. It is beautiful to feel that our presence and time spent with them brought smile and memorable moments in their lives. Hope to see them again and be a part of this noble cause. Thanks to everyone who made it possible for us to join. Our Partners: Uma Rani, Divya Chaya Trust:We would like to thank Joining Hands for arranging a corporate sponsored Quiz Competition by Philips India on 2nd Dec. 09 at Care Centre, Shahpur Jat. It was a great initiative to create interest and encouragement for students to have more knowledge Sudhir Gehlot, Literacy India:Children of Literacy India got a chance to exhibit their General Knowledge and win prizes. We are thankful to Joining Hands for bringing Philips employees to who volunteered and sponsered the General Knowledge Quiz on 4th December 2009. Anjina Rajagopal, Saikripa :Our thanks to Joining Hands and WNS for taking children of Balkutir for a picnic to visit Qutub Minar on Sunday, the 6th Dec 2009. The children came to know the historical importance of Qutub Minar, they enjoyed the whole site consisting metal pillar its peculiarity being that it has not got rusted due to any weather effect in spite of its age. The children enjoyed the architecture of the other monuments at the site though they were damaged to some extent. They were also awed by the architectural design and height of the Qutub Minar. After finishing the visit the children enjoyed eating burgers etc in a fast food chain.