Kindness in Karjat

Four air coolers were donated by the Lions Club under the leadership of region manager Lion Capt Percy Master for the benefit of 16 abandoned or orphaned children housed in Umang, which is "a hope of a home beyond home for… our special children entering adulthood,” as notes the website of that nongovernmental organization (NGO). A note from Master’s office details that Umang is an extension of the Bal Anand project of WorldChildren Welfare Trust India.

Lions led by Capt Percy Master (second from right): helping the disadvantaged

Besides Master, 45 Lion members, including zonal manager Katy Patel and Cyrus Surti were at the 6½-acre farmland property of Umang in Karjat, 90 minutes away from Bombay, on June 18, 2017, where the disadvantaged children, some of whom have developmental disabilities including cerebral palsy, mental retardation and physical disabilities, are sheltered. The special children are trained in farming, gardening and making handicraft items. The Lions’ visit included planting of fruit trees on the property and distribution of biscuits and chocolates to the children. Donations were also received from Lions Clubs of Byculla, Bombay South Hill and Bombay Queensway, notes the write-up. Chief guests Lion Aspi Cooper and district governor Armaity Cooper appreciated the good work done by the various Clubs in Bombay. The visitors were shown around by fulltime volunteer at Umang, Nazneen Engineer, daughter of Lion Rumi Engineer and Sulochana Kalro, chairperson of the NGO.