LONDON: On November 7, 2007, the leading British charity Sewa International pledged ?35,000 to Macmillan Cancer Support and Refuge. Thirty-five volunteers participated in a charity skydive to raise funds for these two causes.
Shri Arup Ganguly, spokesman for the ?Sewa Skydive? said: ?We are delighted to have raised such a large amount of money for these two causes. We are grateful to the 35 participants for their fund-raising efforts and hope that the two beneficiaries are able to maintain the high level of services that they are associated with.?
On the strength of Sewa volunteers?a network of volunteers cultivated by Sewa International? he added: ?We recognised that by developing a volunteer network, we would be in a far stronger position and be able to make a meaningful contribution to the quality of lives of those who are less fortunate. The mobilisation of funds through the Sewa volunteers? network serves to emphasise that a charitable organisation, dependent wholly on volunteers can contribute in a significant manner. We have many opportunities and would welcome others to join hands with us.?
Smt. Sandra Horley, OBE, Chief Executive of ?Refuge? said: ?Domestic violence is a serious crime that destroys lives. One woman in four experiences domestic violence at some point in her life and two women are killed every week in England and Wales. Sewa International'samazing physical and fund-raising efforts will help support Refuge'slife-saving and life-changing work.?
Shri Ganguly added: ?By supporting Refuge, we want to send a clear message that domestic violence is unacceptable. This money will help Refuge to reach out to the women who are living with domestic violence, or the fear of violence, and enable them to access help. This is an incredible important area to support and it'sgratifying to know that this money raised by Sewa International will help in saving lives.?
Shri Ciaran Devane, CEO of Macmillan Cancer Support said: ?I am delighted that the staff of Sewa International have chosen to improve the lives of people affected by cancer by donating this fantastic amount of money??20,000?that they have raised to Macmillan Cancer Support. This will go towards a specialist Macmillan Pharmacist at the North West London Hospitals Trust. The Pharmacist will make a real difference to the lives of cancer patients who are receiving chemotherapy treatment by ensuring that patients? vital chemotherapy drugs are available when they need them, they are up to date, and they are effective. And the Pharmacist will provide reliable support and information about the medication and any side effects patients might experience.?
On Macmillan Cancer Support, Shri Ganguly said: ?Sewa International'scontribution towards the provision of a specialist pharmacist in North West London will ensure that chemotherapy drugs are available when cancer sufferers need them and that those provided are the most up to date and effective. Moreover, they will enable patients to have high-quality information about their medication and any side effects they might experience.?
The mobilisation of funds through the Sewa volunteers? network serves to emphasise that a charitable organisation, dependent wholly on volunteers can contribute in a significant manner.
