Winter Relief Fund

The Zoroastrian Winter Relief Fund, founded nearly 20 years back with a drive to collect blankets (it raised Rs 50,000 at that time for the purpose) continues to help the lower and middle class. Initially meant to assist those in the winter of their lives, it today provides medical relief, help in education and many other necessities like food, shelter, clothing as well as help for performing navjotes, marriages and religious ceremonies.

Until March 31, 2007 our collection was over Rs 3.5 lakh through financial help and the cooperation of various institutions and charitably inclined persons. We spent more than three-fourth of the amount on the above-mentioned activities as well as distribution of household articles like linen, food, furniture and miscellaneous purposes. This year our efforts were concentrated on providing flood relief in Gujarat and Maharashtra. We sent out a special appeal and are happy to report that over one lakh rupees poured in and was used for flood relief.

As the cost of living, education and medical needs increases, the middle class is hard pressed, since they are the ones who hesitate to ask for charity. We, therefore, appeal to donors to extend their generosity to aid the less fortunate.

We thank Ervad Aspi Gyara of Surat, Maki Majra, Silloo Mahava, Arnavaz Mistry of Young Rathestars, Anahita Yezdi Desai, Bapsy Chinoy, Zarine Bahmani, Jeroo Motiwalla and several others who worked hard on the project, along with the president. Aloo and Naval Desai of Bombay magnanimously contributed food hampers, other items and Sholapur charsas (covering sheets) to about 150 needy persons in the city. Sadly, Naval passed away suddenly soon after in the USA.

Shirin Manekshana, a founder of the Zoroastrian Winter Relief Fund, is now 94 years old and unable to take active part, but her blessings, moral support and high spirits are very much with us.

Contributions in cash or by crossed cheque in favor of "Zoroastrian Winter Relief Fund” may be sent to Kumi Daroowala, president, 16/1 Rustom Baug, Byculla, Bombay 400 027; tel: 23724492.

KUMI J. DAROOWALA

HUTOXI JAMSHED IRANI

YASMIN KALI MISTRY