‘Christmas New Year 2022 Appeal’ hand over to beneficiaries on 14th April at Koottickal
The above said appeal was issued in order to support people affected by the landslide and floods, which occurred during to the month of Octiber 2021 in Koottickal, Yenthayar, & Kokkayar regions of Mundakkayam in Kottayam district. A total fund of Rs. 18,00,000.00 equivalent of about £ 18,000.00 given to the beneficiaries of above appeal in a brief function organised at Panchayat Hall at Koottickal, Mundakkayam, Kerala on 14th April 2022. The function was presided over by the local MLA Mr. Sebastian kulathumkal and inaugurates by Mr. Roshy Augustine, Minister for water resources, govt of Kerala.
The public function was started at 03.00 pm with a prayer followed by the welcome speech by Ms. Mini Mohan, Chairperson of AWAS and she appreciated the support and cooperation extended by the people for identifying the most vulnerable people for this support. She also welcomed all the dignitaries, chief guests and beneficiaries for the program. Mr. Sebastian Kulathungal MLA narrated about the severity of the disaster and the journey it took forward since then during his presidential address. This was followed by the introductory speech of Mr. Shajan Skariah, editor of Marunadan Malayali. He explained how AWAS and BMCF took its shape and briefly explained their activities done so far for supporting the people in distress. He emphasized the money collected is purely the result of generosity of the readers of British Malayali/ Marunadan Malayali and reminded the beneficiaries to use it wisely. The meeting was officially inaugurated by lighting the lamp by Mr. Roshi Augustin, Hon’ Minister of Kerala for Water Resources and other distinguished guests. He appreciated the efforts and commitment of AWAS and BMCF for supporting the survivors of the landslide and flood in this region. He pointed out the importance of charitable organizations such as AWAS and BMCF while addressing issues related to natural calamities and also said the government machinery alone cannot do much without the support of such organizations. The gathering felicitated Mr. Shijo Mathew and Mr. Justin George for their outstanding efforts they took for rescuing the flood affected Kootickal residents during the disaster. The Minister handed over mementos to them as a token of appreciation. The Minister officially handed over the cheques to the beneficiaries. Mr. P S Sajimon, President of Kootickal Gramapanchayat appreciated both AWAS and BMCF for identifying the most deserving families for giving the financial assistance. Mrs. Jessy Jose, Vice President of Kootickal panchayat, Mrs. Sindhu Muraleedharan and Mr. K N Vinod, Members of Kootickal panchayat, also addressed the gathering.
Mr. Sony Chacko, Trustee, BMCF and Mr. Tomichan Kozhuvanal, Trustee and former chairman of BMCF were also present in the inaugural function. The meeting was concluded at 05.30 pm with the vote of thanks and gratitude by Mr. Shaji Lukose, Trustee and former chairman of BMCF and national anthem.
All 24 beneficiaries received their share of funds jointly raised by BMCF and Awas through “Christmas New Year 2022” in brief function organised at Panchayat Hall at Koottickal, Mundakkayam, Kerala. BMCF raised an amount of £ 6,027.00 from the public and used £ 2,973.00 from its general fund. Out of £6,027, an amount of £ 4,946.00 received from fundraising platform of Kindlink and £ 1,081.00 directly from bank a/c. The BMCF fund was given to 22 beneficiaries and £ 500.00 each were given to 10 most needed ones and £ 300.00 each to 12 others. The Awas also raised Rs.9,00,000.00 and distributed their share accordingly.
Please visit www.britishmalayali.co.uk/charity for news in Malayalam.