Fundraiser to help those overseas offers unique online auction items

A locally based charity called S.O.D.A. that helps the disabled in South India is hosting an online silent auction and accepting donations this year due to the pandemic instead of holding its annual fundraising banquet.

The funds go to an organization called SAMUHA in South India in the state of Karnataka,” Hilary Crowley, president of the association, said.

Crowley started the SAMUHA Overseas Development Association (S.O.D.A.) in 1996 and each year has committed to raising at least $20,000 for their overseas efforts.

She had spent a year in Karnataka from 1994-95, which was right at the height of the Polio epidemic.

As a physiotherapist, Crowley was training people there to help those in need.

She’s returned year after year for about six weeks each time but has not been able to do that since the outbreak of Covid.

“Since polio has been eradicated in India for about a decade, the program now gears itself to all children with any kind of disability and adults who are disabled, as well,” Crowley said.

Her efforts directly fund SAMUHA’s Early Intervention Centre for children under 6 years old with disability as well as SAMUHA’s Spinal Cord Injury Unit.

To help raise funds Crowley has organized the online silent auction and offers some unique items that have been put up on the auction block.

There is a painting by Dr, Rahul Hampole, an Indian dinner for 10, a weekend at a Summit Lake cabin, cross-country ski lessons, flute lessons, piano lessons and much more.

The auction goes until Saturday, Oct. 23, at 9 p.m.

“SAMUHA relies on these annual funds to run their programs,” Crowley said. “At this time of Covid, their needs are even greater as many villagers are going hungry and life for people with disability is even tougher.”

Hilary’s book, Footsteps to Freedom, describes the evolution of SAMUHA and of S.O.D.A. and follows some of the children with polio from infancy over a 25-year period to adulthood. It is available through Books & Co. in Prince George.

Check out the online auction items or make a donation any time at www.samuha.ca or cheques made out to S.O.D.A. can be mailed to S.O.D.A. at 1815 Adams Rd Summit Lake, BC V0J 2S0.