A group of Facebook friends in Alappuzha has taken up a novel cause beyond exchanging pleasantries and posting pictures and notes.
‘Athazha koottam,’ an organisation formed by the group, has been extending charity work of a unique nature.
The organisation makes arrangements to provide food to the destitute, vagrants and street dwellers.
“Most of the shelter-less people starve in the night, unable to get food or help from anyone,” says A.R. Noushad, an autorickshaw driver whose initiative to collect food from a few friends and acquaintances grew into a charity movement.
Members of the group used to go around and collect food from houses and take it to those who sleep on the pavements.
It was no easy task to meet the generous contributors and reach out to the beneficiaries who stay at different locations of the town.
Later, the group mooted a new idea of collecting excess food from functions such as birthday parties and other celebrations.
The effort was successful and could cater to the food requirements of a few hundred people daily across the town, says Mr. Noushad. Gradually, the movement got strengthened with the support of a few non-resident Indians and professionals such as doctors.
Registered
The organisation was subsequently registered, setting the ground for wider participation and transparency.
‘Athazha koottam’ takes care of more than 20 people who are bedridden.
Three students are also being supported as part of the humanitarian gesture.
Facebook group takes care of 20 bedridden people
Group also supports three students
