Daan Utsav, one of the largest volunteer driven philanthropic initiatives across the country is back this week between October 2 – 8. With events, drives and activities helmed by NGOs, individuals and corporate houses, the week-long effort brings together people from all walks and provides an opportunity to improve the lives of the less fortunate.
Chennai will see a variety of activities as part of Daan Utsav, where citizens can contribute their time through volunteering or provide financial support for various causes.
Gift a meal
No Food Waste, an NGO working to address the twin issues of hunger and food waste, will be running their Hunger Free Week programme as part of Daan Utsav. Volunteers can collect excess food in cleanly packed meal boxes and drop them off at collection points located across the city. The meal boxes will be donated to those in need.
The pick up points can be found in Anna Nagar, Velachery, Adyar,West Mambalam and Arumbakkam.
Collection will take place between 11:30 AM to 3:30 PM.
For more details – https://daanutsav.org/events/gift-a-meal-box/
Fistful of Joy
Students are also active participants in Daan Utsav. The students of Ethiraj College, in partnership with Vaishnavi Welfare and Charitable Trust have pledged to donate grains to shelter homes that house underprivileged children who are supported by the trust.
Those wishing to donate may drop off the contributions at Ethiraj college.
For more details: https://daanutsav.org/events/fistful-of-joy-7/
Meal for Rs 30
Eco-Kitchen, a city based natural kitchen, is also offering citizens the chance to donate a meal by contributing Rs 30 on Daan Utsav week.
For more details: https://www.ecokitchen.org/eco/contact.html
Giver of Daan
Nishabhda Seva Trust is organising collection drives of clothes and digital equipments, along with donations. The donations will go towards leprosy affected persons in Chegalpet. Clothes will be distributed to the elderly in Vadalur and digital equipment will be donated to schools across the state.
The material can be dropped off at 28/22 Tamilar Street, Choolaimedu Chennai Tamil Nadu 600094 India.
For more details: https://daanutsav.org/events/giver-of-daan-god-2/
Indian Oil Corporation has also offered stall space at petrol bunks across the city for various NGOs to set up spaces to promote the cause and spread awareness.
With various programmes to make a difference, Daan Utsav gives us a chance to make the city welcoming for all.