by Father Leon Cruz Ratinam for BISMumbai

Recently some parts of Maharashtra were severely affected due to floods. Don Bosco Youth Services [DBYS] Matunga, contributed its mite through 03 youth volunteers of the Salesian Youth Movement [SYM] to assist in the flood relief at Mahad. This was through a need-based situation-assessment, following which the young people assisted at 'ground zero', on 28 July and 29 July.

Mansoor Kanchwala, Roydon D’Souza and Denzil Joseph undertook a gruelling 07-hour journey with Father Ratinam, in a tempo-van filled with synthetic mats and bedsheets. The material was collected from the generous young people who contributed, and through the Don Bosco Development Society [DBDS]-MumbaiSalesians' Province Development Office. On arrival at flood-ravaged Mahad, 02 of the team of 04, began food distribution along with Father George D’Abreo of Bosco Gramin Vikas Kendra Ahmednagar and his team.

The next day too, the distribution of water, and food continued along with the preparation of food. It was a challenging experience to without clean water and the comforts of daily life. More than the quantum of relief work, the experience has enriched the young people. This volunteer-involvement at Mahad, has enabled these to be ready for further action in such crisis-moments.