Oswestry return after trip to help India's street kids
Published date:
01 January 2013 |
Published by:
Staff Reporter
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AN OSWESTRY woman has returned from India having handed over more than £2,000 raised by people in the area to help the country’s underprivileged children.
Sheelagh Griffiths and her husband, Keith, have been involved with the Mother Theresa’s Roses shelter giving aid to some of India’s street children for the last four years and their efforts have helped to provide beds, food and clothing to the children in its care.
A fundraising Indian-themed night in Oswestry earlier this year helped to raise some of the funds needed to provide a much needed new septic tank for the shelter based in Parra, Goa, which forms part of the not-for-profit organisation based in Mumbai helping slum children, alcoholics, the homeless and AIDS sufferers.
Speaking to the Advertizer last week, Sheelagh, pictured, said: “Because people have been so generous I wanted them to know where the money has gone and how grateful everyone is for it.
“All of the money goes directly to the charity and helps to feed, clothe and make a better home for the children.
“The charity helps to break the cycle of life for these children and give them a chance so people’s continued support is much appreciated,” she added.
A former staff nurse at Gobowen’s Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopedic Hospital, Mrs Griffiths also paid tribute to the staff there for their help, while a letter sent back from the Sisters working at the Parra shelter read: “Thank you for the donation towards our welfare centre.
“We have 33 girls here in Parra and 14 boys in Quepeu.
“Your money will help to repair our septic tank and soak away so there is much work to be done.
“The amount that you, our Oswestry friends, have collected, is just what we need to pay for this.
“We have no words to thank each one of you but you will always be in our prayers,” she added.
The centre at Parra is currently working to expand its facilities for boys with the shelter providing children with an education and nurturing environment.
People can learn more about the work taking place by visiting www.volunteeringgoa.co.uk