Daniel Fischer, Head of Advertising and Event Management

In the festive season, we all come a little closer together, reflecting on values such as charity and responsibility for others. Not everyone is as lucky as we are. With many people throughout the world in need and requiring our support we ought to spare a thought for those who are suffering and help them where we can. 

AID FOR HEMALATA ORPHANAGES

Among the people who desperately need our help are the children in the Hemalata orphanages in Chennai, India. Irmgard and Dieter Castelhun from the Upper Franconian region of Germany have taken on the task of helping these children, improving life for them. Thanks to Ms. Hemalata, head of both institutions, and the Castelhuns, more than 350 children have found a home. The children range in age from one to sixteen and belong to various religions. They are cared for all day long, go to nursery, schools or apprentice workshops and are allowed to stay in the homes until they have completed their training. 

Helmata orphans working together.

Thanks to generous donations from Germany, many improvements have been able to be made over the years. Some of the projects which have already been implemented include for example improving hygiene by building toilet facilities, building a well, purchasing a van for delivering groceries, fitting out the school with benches, creating a new apprentice workshop, purchasing generators and building two huts in the plantation. 

The orphans look forward to their warm meal.

OVERCOMING GREAT HURDLES

In spite of financial support, however, Ms. Hemalata and the Castelhuns keep finding themselves confronted with new obstacles. After the heaviest rainfall for decades in early December, Chennai’s roads are three meters (10 feet) deep in water. The orphanages have been severely affected too: Water is leaking through the roofs of the living quarters and the kitchen, the children are suffering from the wet accommodation, the schools have been closed and electricity, internet and telephone have been cut off. Repairing the damage will exceed the funds available by far. 

The children are grateful for any presents they receive.

Furthermore, there has been a change of government to the Hindu conservative party MODI, which has stipulated minimum requirements for charitable institutions. These entail considerable expense. Unfortunately, there are not sufficient funds available and the authorities are putting pressure on the orphanage to finish the new building they insisted on having built. There are also difficulties in obtaining a loan, and the leaving exams for the apprentices who have “finished” are being delayed considerably as a result.

SUPPORT FOR VOCATIONAL TRAINING

The Castehuns have been supporting children in need for 50 years now. They have been in charge of the “Hemalata Project” since 1989. In the 25 years until 2014 they visited the orphanages 19 times. As well as safety and improving basic care, they care particularly about the vocational training of the 350 children, as this has a decisive effect on their future life.

We have been assisting the Hemalata orphanages with donations since 2007. Sound vocational training is the most important foundation for the orphans’ quality of life when they leave the orphanage. As a company which recognises the importance of providing training, it is particularly important for us to provide part of the so desperately needed funds for financing the training of the orphans, offering them an alternative for the future.

We hope that our special seasons greetings help to make a difference, ensuring that the Hemalata orphanages continue to get the aid they so desperately need. If you would like to donate something for the orphanages can find information about the account for donations here. Further information can be found herewww.hemalata-waisenhaeuser.de.

We wish you a merry Christmas and a good start into the new year!

Account for donations:
Hemalata Waisenhäuser
Sparkasse Forchheim
Account no: 57 59 48 5
Bank sort code: 763 510 40