What’s more Christmas-like than the spirit of sharing? Here’s our guide to celebrating December 25th by spreading some light and love in other people’s lives
A previous food drive by volunteers of Urvari
Breaking bread
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Soak in the Yuletide spirit a day after Christmas with the young volunteers of Navi Mumbai-based non-profit Urvari which has joined hands with Karwaan Foundation to feed over 1,500 people. Rufina Gupte, who is a part of Urvari, shares that they are inviting citizens to sponsor meals (R35 each); they plan to serve over 50 kg of biryani. “We are accepting donations till Christmas, and the food drive will take place on the next day. We aim to feed those who are sitting out in the cold; the drive will start from Sanpada bridge, then go to Belapur, Kharghar and finally, Panvel,” she tells us, adding that the initiative was first started on Valentine’s Day, when kids and young adults celebrated love by sponsoring meals for the underprivileged.
Call: 9833667153
Log on to: @_urvari_ on Instagram
One for the kids
At Chembur’s Le Café restaurant and bar, guests are being nudged to turn Claus for a Cause. The third edition of their Christmas charity initiative aims to spread cheer among the children at Access Life Assistance Foundation, an NGO that provides free accommodation, transport, food and facilities for children undergoing cancer treatment. This year, founder-director Ashesh L Sajnani and brand strategist Huzaifa Lightwalla are encouraging diners to bring a gift for the children which can be dropped into their Christmas box. They have also curated a special Christmas hamper and menu; part of the proceeds will be sent to the non-profit. Ready to play Santa?
Till: December 30
At: Opposite BMC Office, 1st Road, Chembur.
Call: 67099977
Be their guardian angel
Joy, a resident of Yoda
At Khar-based animal rehab centre Yoda, there are a lot of pooches who could use a guardian angel. They are prompting animal-lovers to sponsor some of their cats and dogs who are likely to be at the shelter for a longer term. This includes Cheetah, a retired police dog who serviced the explosive detection unit for nine years, June who came to them as a tiny kitten, paralysed from her hind legs due to spinal nerve damage, and Joy who was abandoned and suffers from hip dysplasia, among others. “They either have to undergo some kind of surgery or are too old and unlikely to get adopted, or have behavioural issues and won’t get a home easily,” explains co-founder Priya Agarwal. The guardians can meet their pooches any time, get regular updates about them, and will be responsible for the animal without having to adopt them.
At: Huma bungalow, 50A, Chuim Village Road, Danda, Pali Hill, Bandra.
Call: 9820952339
Claus for paws
Spare A Moment takes care of strays in Lonavala
Spare A Moment - Ayesha Julka Foundation is a Lonavala-based non-profit that takes care of indies in the hill station. During a three-day charity fundraiser sale that they are hosting at the town’s Lola Cafe and Bar, they are giving Christmas revellers a chance to help both their furry friends, as well as women and children from lesser-privileged communities.
Coasters that are on offer at the sale
Fundraiser head Aparna Sharma shares that the sale offers hand-painted wooden trays, coasters, table mats, kettles, metal boxes, cutlery, and other utility products; the raw material for these has been sourced from a tribal village in Gujarat. “There are also canvases done by children, patients and senior citizens. Proceeds from the sale will go towards stray welfare. We feed over 1,000 strays in Lonavala, which lacks adequate vets, clinics and infrastructure for animals,” she adds.
Till: December 26, 12 pm onwards
At: Old Mumbai-Pune highway, opposite Kumar Resort, Takve Kurth, Tungarli, Lonavala
Log on to: @spareamomentajf on Instagram
Also check out
The Plated Project has come up with memory jar candles that can serve as a nostalgic souvenir for your loved ones, as well as sponsor 10 meals each for the underprivileged. From the candle that reminds you of a fond moment, to pictures and notes, the jars can be customised completely.
Log on to: theplatedproject.com
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