by Cleric Christopher Nadar for BISMumbai

On 15 August 2021, the community of DBYC, together with youngsters from the diocese and through the generosity of benefactors like the Jehangir and Inlaks Hospitals, organized a health camp and a token shop for the migrants as part of their Suraksha-Migrant-Services. There was also a blood donation camp organized in the forecourt of the house for which there was an enthusiastic response.

The morning began with the Eucharistic celebration followed by a flag hoisting and a short programme for India’s 75th Independence Day. At the helm of affairs were the Theology student brothers. The chief guest Group Captain Conrad Dalton, a retired Air Force Officer hoisted the Tricolour. Thereafter, 20 nurses and frontline workers from Inlaks hospital were felicitated; honouring their dedicated service and sacrifice during this Covid-19 crisis. Following this, migrants from various parts of the city came in to avail themselves of the health camp and a token shop from where they could pick up items of clothing, household utensils and groceries for themselves – thanks to the generosity of several benefactors. A total of 168 families of migrants from the city benefitted from the programme. For the blood donation camp organized in collaboration with Jehangir Hospital blood was collected from 35 persons. Additionally, several benefactors of DBYC, Pune and friends of Don Bosco came over to participate in the programmes and the community expressed its sincere gratitude for their generous contributions towards the marginalized. Having so many people coming and going through the campus, Covid-19 protocols were strictly adhered to, so that all the programmes could be held safely and serenely. A young volunteer was heard saying: “This was the best thing that happened today and I am so happy and feel so blessed to have been part of it. I wish I have many such occasions to serve others.”

The community of DBYC plans to organize similar events side by side with the lively young volunteers who are eager to lend a hand. The first seeds of the SYM – PUNE were sown that morning!