Spreading the Christmas cheer among one and all

Bengaluru: Christmas in essence isn't about materialistic joy. The sparkly trees and the gifts are a big part of the celebrations, but it is also the season of giving and the city reminded us of that this Christmas once again.

People offer prayers on Christmas Day in Bengaluru on Sunday.

Donation drive
“It is convenient to sit at home and decorate a tree, but what really brings joy is giving and sharing a smile. For anyone to experience joy we have to take little inconvenience. That is what Christmas is about, it is about selflessness,” says Mr Nestin V., a member of Little More Love, which supports disabled women and children through crowd funding. Started in the Christmas of 2012, this is their fourth year of sharing. This Christmas, they gave away winter clothes, blankets, abacus sets, footballs and shoes to mentally disabled children and senior citizens in four orphanages and shelter homes. “These kids are slum dwellers and we sang carols for them to spread cheer and put together a donation drive. Families of the members came along and helped and told us later about how great it really felt” he said.

Kindness cards
Kindness cards asked people to make handmade cards for Christmas which were then gifted to less fortunate children at Bosco Mane child rescue centre in Chamrajpet. Fifty volunteers from all over the country made 200 cards and wished the children. “We also got cards from Pune and Delhi. We are expecting 200 more cards to arrive. Adults make cards for kids and children make cards for the elderly,” said Mr Harshil Mittal, founder of the initiative. They also distributed plum cakes and chocolates to the children.   

Feeding strays
“We see animals on the street eating out of garbage bins and drains. We felt why should the holiday cheer be limited to human beings? Our little furry friends deserve our affection too,” remarked Ms Ritika Goel, founder of Bengaluru Opts To Adopt. On the big day, dogs on the street received a hearty meal throughout the city. The animal welfare group organised collection drives – Pawz Mas Tree, and collected about 100 kg of canine food, medicines and blankets.

Footballs for kids
Sparky Football, which coaches underprivileged children in football, distributed footballs and shoes to children. “We gifted 100 footballs and brand new shoes to street children to encourage them to play,” said Mr Tejas R., founder of the organisation.