A locally based-charity that helps the disabled in South India is once again holding its in-person fundraising event Saturday, Oct. 29 at 7 p.m. at the Columbus Community Centre.
The event features a traditional Indian buffet, culturally-focused entertainment, an in-person silent auction and an online auction. The in-person event’s admission is by donation.
The funds raised go to an organization called SAMUHA in South India in the state of Karnataka. Hilary Crowley, a now-retired local physiotherapist said. She has supported the organization since 1996 and has committed to raising at least $20,000 for SAMUHA Overseas Development Association's (S.O.D.A.) efforts to help those in need in rural India.
“Every cent of the funds raised from this event goes to SAMUHA,” Crowley said.
It all started when Crowley, as a working physiotherapist, spent 1994-95, which was right at the height of the polio epidemic, in Karnataka.
As a physiotherapist, Crowley was training people there to help those in need, knowing that by providing the training the healing would continue.
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-19.
“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.
“SAMUHA relies on these annual funds to run their programs.”
Check out the online auction items or make a donation any time at www.samuha.ca or cheques can be mailed to S.O.D.A. at 1815 Adams Rd., Summit Lake, BC V0J 2S0.
Slides of S.O.D.A.’s past and upcoming work in India will be presented after dinner.
To reserve seats email [email protected] or call Josina 250-877-2295 by Oct. 23.
To check out the online auction visit https://www.32auctions.com/Soda2022.
