YOLO restaurant on Avanashi Road did something nice for its second birthday. Its management along with the volunteers of Make a Difference (MAD) that works for educational upliftment of children-in-need invited 80 children from Don Bosco Anbu Illam for an unlimited buffet lunch.
The children enjoyed the outing immensely. They ran around to grab a spot at the restaurant and settled down for a sumptuous meal. On the menu was a cream-based continental soup, chapatti, curry, salt-pepper cauliflower fry, omelette, curd rice and ice creams and mud pies.
“I have never been to restaurants like this before. I am so excited to be here with my friends,” said K.Dhayalan who is in 8th standard. He enjoyed the experience of an air-conditioned surrounding. B.Dinesh Kumar who is studying the fourth asked for more omelettes and indicated her was super happy with his food. The children also watched the ICC cricket world cup match between Pakistan and Ireland on Star sports live on a screen. G.Sathish a ninth standard boy said he felt good eating with music playing in the background. He added, “We will not forget today.”
Veda Vyas, a volunteer with MAD said, “Food is something that everyone relates to and loves. It is so touching to see the kids enjoy themselves.” Veda Vyass hopes such initiatives gather momentum.
“I did not know where we were going when we got into the bus. I was just excited to get out of the hostel and this is a big surprise for me”, exclaimed M.Santhosh another child.
S.Vibala Harshavardhan of YOLO restaurant said, “The idea was to give a change of atmosphere and an experience for the children. YOLO stands for You Only Live Once. So we believe in doing our bit for the society.” YOLO also joined the ‘Save a girl child’ campaign by Enlift, another NGO working with under-privileged children. “We plan to take these children to the malls, parks and on educational trips to various factories next month. They must see the world outside,” he added. They also plan to conduct weekly sports and cultural contests.
When the kids finished their lunch and dessert they were given eggshells with their names painted on them. They carried it with care, showing it to their friends and volunteers. They also danced to cinema songs. Good food, fun and a memento to carry back home made the day complete for the kids, who shook hands with everyone and then boarded the bus back home, to Anbu Illam.
