Canadian International School (CIS) students have demonstrated remarkable philanthropy and compassion by raising nearly 60 lakh rupees for two local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Bangalore. Through innovative crowdfunding efforts, these students, ranging from ages 11 to 17, have spearheaded fundraising campaigns to support communities in Bangalore and Rural Bangalore. The two charities who benefitted from these donations were GreenSole Foundation and Sparsha Trust. Utilizing a popular crowdfunding website, these middle and high school students have mobilized their peers, family, and supporters to contribute towards meaningful causes, showcasing the power of youth-driven initiatives in creating positive change.
In the recent milestone achievement, a significant portion of the funds raised has been allocated to GreenSole Foundation, an NGO dedicated to providing essential “back to school” packs for underprivileged students. With an impressive fundraising tally of nearly 50 lakh rupees, GreenSole has received substantial support from the Canadian International Student community.
The “back to school” packs distributed by GreenSole Foundation include upcycled slippers, a backpack, and a mat, offering essential supplies to students in need. A notable beneficiary of this initiative is the Government Higher Primary School, Thorlakki, a local institution in Rural Bangalore, where these packs will directly impact the lives of students, enabling them to pursue their education with dignity and comfort. “These students come from rural communities and low income backgrounds. The “back to school” packs will give them much needed supplies that will ensure they can learn in an environment free from damp floors and dusty roads. This effort will benefit 5,357 students across Rural Bangalore,” said Anusree Upendran, Head of CSR Initiatives at GreenSole Foundation.
The other local charity that received around 10 lakh rupees was Sparsha Trust. Sparsha Trust provides education to boys and girls in need in Bangalore. They currently have 2 residential schools for girls, and the funds raised by CIS students will be used toward food, healthcare, and educational support for the 220 female residents of one of the Sparsha Trust schools. “Sparsha has been involved with CIS for the past 8-9 years. Over these years, together we have built a level of trust that continues to provide support for our organization. The CIS community of students, teachers, and parents have volunteered over the years. I would like to send a special thank you to the students, and the families who supported their efforts, in this year’s fundraising campaign,” said Mr. Gopinath R, Managing Trustee, Sparsha Trust.
This collaborative effort between CIS students and local NGOs exemplifies the spirit of global citizenship and solidarity in addressing social challenges. By leveraging their collective resources and determination, these students have made a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and communities across Bangalore.
“One thing that touched my heart was the smile on their faces. All of the students looked so happy. The time I spent there was very beautiful and inspiring to realize that we don’t always appreciate what we have ourselves. These packs, though they seemed small, brought happiness to these students. I hope they like the kits and I loved raising money for them,” said Riya, a grade 6 student, Canadian International School.
“Giving has always been a core belief of mine, and this was a brilliant opportunity for me to play a small role in making a massive difference in the lives of some students. Throughout the fundraising process, I emphasized the importance of comfortable education, given the unfathomable difficulties faced by less fortunate children in receiving adequate education and breaking the ruthless cycle of poverty. The true scale of this was seen first-hand during the distribution event, where the children’s eyes lit up with excitement and gratefulness while receiving the simple kit, which definitely had an immeasurable effect on their education. Personally, I believe that serving one’s community is a responsible citizen’s duty, and that everyone should partake in such activities, which, down the line, could go on to have an exponential effect on someone’s life,” said Shiven, Grade 10 student, Canadian International School.
“We are immensely proud of the generosity and dedication shown by our CIS student community,” remarked Shweta Sastri, Managing Director of Canadian International School, Bangalore. “Their unwavering commitment to supporting local NGOs and empowering vulnerable communities reflects the values of compassion and empathy that we strive to instill in our youth.”
The success of this fundraising campaign serves as a testament to the power of grassroots activism and cross-cultural collaboration in fostering positive social impact. As the beneficiaries of these initiatives express their gratitude, the Canadian International School student community stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration for future generation