Testimonials
Simran Sokhi, Donor, Singapore
I am proud to be a volunteer for a life-changing organisation like CRY. Truly, charity changes not just the lives of the people on the receiving end, but also the lives of the people on the giving end. The following quote from Mahatma Gandhi perfectly sums up how I feel about charity:
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
Almost half of the world’s population lives in poverty. Perhaps unsurprisingly, around half of this number are children.
I come across statistics such as the above almost every day of my life. Having been brought up in a comfortable environment, I cannot say that I know how the underprivileged feel. However, knowing that I have the power to do something about it motivates me.
In fact, I believe that everyone has something to donate-be it in the form of money, love or time. But if the privileged do not spare even a small amount of money for charity, then who will? That’s why I consider it my duty to promote the feeling of giving in all those around me.
I have been to India several times. When I see the throngs of poverty-stricken people, I don’t lose hope for a poverty-free world – thanks to my faith in organisations such as CRY. Improving the lives of hundreds of thousands of children in India, CRY undoubtedly helps me to help people. The number of people living in poverty across the globe has reduced in the past decades, and I am optimistic that with a collectively increased effort, the number will continue to drop.
And the best part is, it’s not hard to contribute. Even a small amount can make a massive difference. By giving tennis lessons or Math, English and Science classes to children, not only do I raise money for charity, but I achieve a feeling of self-satisfaction. The knowledge that each dollar will be spent effectively by CRY to solve critical issues brings a smile to my face.
Sharan Sokhi, Donor, Singapore
It gives me such grief to watch children suffering from poverty. By helping in some way or another, I feel contented that there is something I can do about this. For me, giving is one of the few things that gives me the feeling of immense satisfaction.
In my school holidays, I give rollerblading, skateboarding and tennis classes in my community. I enjoy teaching these skills to children in my community. I surmise that helping out in this way, I am being twice as effective as compared to just sending money to CRY. Not only I am able to teach children a new skill, but am also able to provide money required by other children. Also all these sports activities are outdoor which promotes physical mental well being and helps in reducing stress.
Being privileged, I feel that it is my duty to help the unfortunate who have been left behind in this world. Each time, donating motivates me to donate more. In my opinion, the problems of education, child marriages, hunger and health are salient. Solving these problems engenders equality; and an equal world is what I strive for. CRY helps me do this. CRY believes in giving children their rights. I want to change the life of 1 child at a time; 1 problem at a time; 1 region at a time.
VITAL for Children, Donor
“VITAL is happy to contribute towards the Muktangan Project (Coalition for Child Rights Protection, West Bengal). Malnourished and abandoned children begging for survival is such a common sight at India’s major stations that they have become just another everyday feature of the railway platform – no more human than the trains or tracks. Current efforts to counteract this trend on central stations has led to aggressive tactics and a dispersion of children to the smaller stations. This is why at VITAL we do everything we can to reach these children as soon as possible. By partnering with CRY we have witnessed a decrease in violence near the railways particularly in Asansol, there has been a surge in the letting of recreational spaces for children’s workshops in Malda and overall a larger distribution of food, clothing and other essentials in Muktangan. We are proud of our work with CRY and will continue our uphill battle to provide infants with the safe childhood they deserve.”
Hriyuda Dixit, 15 years, Mumbai
My dream for children is not only food, clothing & shelter but they should get proper education, guidance & love from all. Children should be given proper time & nourishment to develop. I see a different world where people from all walks of life, people from different locations come & work together for a better tomorrow. The world should be free from competition & there should not be a mad race for money. There should be dignity of labour. Everyone should be treated equally irrespective of the work he does. Everyone should get equal chance, should have freedom of speech to express himself.
Pawan Gupta, Donor, Delhi
Changing the lives of children is a continuous process. Nothing can be done in a limited period. As individuals we have to continue to give support by way of financial help, time as well as other resources. I believe in continuity and devotion without deviation. CRY is doing just that.
Nitish Khanna, Volunteer, Kolkata
Working with CRY has been a very revealing and enriching experience. I realized that there are many small things that can be done to contribute to child rights. Yes, what is needed is a bit of sensitivity and willingness to do something worthwhile.
Manjula Narayan, Senior Assistant Editor, Hindustan Times
Putting children first is really about ensuring a healthy future for our nation. No country can hope to progress and become truly civilised unless its young have access to food, shelter, clothing, education and a life full of promise; a life that allows them to explore their immense potential. CRY has been doing exemplary work to transform the lives of children in India. Though the task is immense and the future uncertain, the organisation has been continuing with its efforts to change young lives for the better… and possibly ensure that India will one day become a more hospitable place for its children, and consequently a more evolved society.
Lalithamma, Project Partner, People’s Organisation for Rural Development (PORD), Andhra Pradesh
PORD believes that every child has right to a happy and healthy childhood. Today’s child is facing multiple violations of her rights right from family level to community level due to various reasons. The State and the other duty-bearers have ignored ensuring of child rights. This situation impacts child’s rights to education, health, protection and healthy environment to live-in. Hence, PORD feels that child rights are important and they need to be protected.
TR Ramachandaran, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Aviva
At Aviva, we believe that education is a tool that empowers individuals, but above all else, it is the right of every child. This has been the genesis of our global CR initiative – Street to School. We partner with CRY for this project because of their reputation and long track record of doing sustainable work in the area of ensuring child rights. Over the past 30 years, CRY has partnered with NGOs across India and has made a difference to several children and communities.”