The spirit of giving, packed in a sandwich: that is what the Seva Sandwich initiative is about. It invites volunteers to make sandwiches using their own ingredients and distribute them among the underprivileged.
Begun by NGO iVolunteer in Mumbai five years ago, the initiative is now a regular feature across India. “We selected a sandwich because it is easy to make," says Srabani Biswas, member, iVolunteer, “It’s easy to carry and is a meal. It is not something slum dwellers have access to on a regular basis.”
On October 2, individuals and organisations can visit the iVolunteer centre in Vile Parle with ingredients, and make sandwiches at the centre. iVolunteer has already compiled a list of areas where the sandwiches can be distributed. “The only criterion is that they contain dry ingredients and that they be healthy and not too spicy; basically, easy for the recipients to digest. The ingredients should also be selected keeping in mind that there might be some time lapse between their packing and distribution, and may get spoilt,” Ms Biswas says.
Those who are unable to reach the iVolunteer centre can also make sandwiches in their spaces, distribute them to the needy, take pictures and post them on social media with the Daan Utsav and iVolunteer hashtags.
* How you can contribute: Visit the iVolunteer centre at Vile Parle (East) on Oct 2
* Who to contact: Srabani Biswas, 9619277443
