FAITH HOPE CHARITY FUND

NEWSLETTER FROM THE COMMITTEE OF FHCF, PERTH

JUNE/JULY 2007

FHCF P.O. Box 896
Mirrabooka WA 6941

ABN: 51 829 426 830 Ph 6189247 1804
Fax: 618 9247 2345
Phone: 9247 1804
Email: enquiries@fhcf.org.au
Web: www.fhcf.org.au

Working in Kolkata, where your dollar makes a difference!

Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger, for you shall be satisfied.

These words from the Bible are a reminder of what our charity is all about. And regardless of the obstacles that may come our way we our committed to pressing on with our work in Kolkata, and to give some of our 'forgotten' Anglo-Indians a better quality of life.

Kolkata

Sharon and her committee members visited Kolkata in the first week of May. It seems crazy they would want to be visiting during the hottest month of the season, but the visit was necessary for a number of reasons, and thankfully there were a few late ‘April’ showers which brought the temperature down at times.  We probably don’t have to advise our people when to visit, but please do not travel to Kolkata in the month of May.

It was, however, a new experience for our committee members from Perth. They were able to experience, first hand, what our poor Anglo-Indians have to go through with never ending power cuts.  Unlike the fortunate who can afford to install generators for their use, our people have to suffer the oppressive heat, any time of day or night.

The Annual General Meeting was scheduled, and held in May. It was a good opportunity for our committee members from Perth to meet the committee members from Kolkata.  There were important matters on the ‘Agenda’ to be discussed, and an unanimous vote for the implementation of various projects was agreed upon.

Fund-raising In Kolkata

In the December newsletter, we asked our members to keep aside clothes and accessories no longer used, which they did, and ultimately it was through their commitment that we were able to fly out 100 kgs of clothes to Kolkata.

One of the projects discussed at the AGM was fund raising in Kolkata, and the committee members have lost no time in organizing two ‘jumble sales’ at the following venues - 'Armenian Club' and 'Grail Club'.  It will be follow-on at the end of their 'Bingo' game.

A special word of thanks to those directly involved with this venture, and especially to the chairperson, and members of both clubs.

And to our members - thank you for your unwavering support and generosity. If it were not for the generous donation of clothes, our fund raising efforts would not have been possible.

We also have to acknowledge, with thanks, the generous gesture of Thai Airways for allowing us to send out the clothes.

God bless all of you.

Meet & Greet

Despite the oppressive weather conditions, Sharon and her members were able to meet and greet some of our people.  It was nice to give them a hug and to see their faces light up with a smile.

On this occasion, it also gave our committee members the opportunity to meet our people and experience the circumstances under which they live.

We encourage our 'members' and 'sponsors' to meet our people when they visit Kolkata, because, they are not just a 'number' on the list, of people we help; we look on them as our extended family, and you have a right to know where your money is going?

Reports From Kolkata

We continue to receive regular reports from Kolkata on the activities and progress of the people we help.  Each and every one of them is very grateful to our sponsors for the help they get.

More Sponsors Required

Our commitment to continue helping the poor Anglo Indians in Kolkata is what this charity intends to do. This is the reason why Sharon is dedicated to visiting Kolkata, not once, but twice and sometimes a third time, to see what is required there.

We would now like to request our ‘present’ sponsors, and members, to invite their family and friends to join us in this cause, and help a poor ‘forgotten’ soul who has no one to turn to for help.

Medicals

Two cataract operations were successfully done.  Another lady had eyesight problems but doctors refused to operate because it was dangerous to do so.  Instead, they recommended an injection, which, at a discount, is costing Rs.2, 500/- per injection (approximately $73).  We hope and pray she regains her eyesight, in time.

Dental care is a rare privilege to the poor in India.  So, we were able to organise for two ladies to get dentures.  One was nervous to have four teeth removed at one time, but, she was persuaded to have the first extraction done, and will probably be well on her way to removing the rest.

Acknowledgements

Unlike some privileged people in the West who use 'walkers' and 'buggies' to get around, many of our pensioners are at an age where they too require the use of walking aids.

And for this, we would like to acknowledge, with thanks, Mrs. Carter who kindly bought one of our pensioners a 'walking stick'.  Perhaps, we ought to consider donating a few more!

From Our School Children

On behalf of our sponsored children 'thank you' to the sponsors who sent gifts for them. Your generosity is much appreciated.  

We assured our sponsors they will be provided with school reports and up to-date progress of the school term.  

We emphasized that, a good education is important to developing a child's career in life, and we are firm on imposing commitments such as, 'study time' and good grades. This requirement has been communicated to the sponsored child, and the parents.  

Communication

The implementation of better communication is of great importance to our charity.  Therefore, the committee in Kolkata has been advised to follow up on this practice, and we look forward to improved measures, being put into place.

Website Changes

If you are reading this newsletter on-line you will have already noticed that we have changed the appearance of the website. It is in its early stages and we hope that it meets with your approval. 

Sharon and her committee would like our visitors to email suitable suggestions for the new website.  Let us make it an interesting place to visit. 

Please email your suggestions to Sharon.

From Sharon And Her Committee

Until the next time, thanks once again to our sponsors, members, and well-wishers for your community spirit and your support.

God bless you all.