Young girls of shelter home hand over cheque to district collector as contribution to CMDRF

Eager to contribute their mite to the rebuilding of the state, the children of Valsalya Bhavan Children's Home, a shelter home for girl children in Kochi, have collected and contributed a sum of Rs 18,000 to the Chief Minister's Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF). The amount was handed over to District Collector S Suhas on Friday.

Ever since the pandemic broke out, young citizens at the orphanage have been engaged in efforts to participate in the state's fight against the virus. On April 21, they had handed over a set of facemasks, including one with a personalised note of thanks addressed to the Collector, at the Collector's office. When news of the same was posted on the Collector's social media webpage, a number of well-wishers from all over the world sent congratulatory messages and came forward offering monetary assistance for their endeavours. Desirous that they should help as much as they can while the world battles the Covid-19 virus, the children have put together various small amounts received from donors to make the contribution to the CMDRF on Friday.

There are 21 children between the ages of thirteen and eighteen residing at the Valsalya Bhavan at present. They are being given training in embroidery, stitching or music at the institution. As many as 15 of them have been engaged in manufacturing masks, even during the holiday period. The children have expressed their happiness that their skills could be utilised for the benefit of the country. Their efforts are being fully supported by the nuns of the Vimalalayam Convent and police officers of the Ernakulam north police station, who have been providing them the materials to make the facemasks.