Students of the Canadian International School in Bangalore Raise Nearly 60 Lakh Rupees for Bangalore NGOs

Students of the Canadian International School (CIS) in Bangalore have exhibited exceptional generosity and empathy by raising nearly 60 lakh rupees for two local non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

These students, aged between 11 and 17, have employed innovative crowdfunding techniques to spearhead fundraising campaigns in support of communities in Bangalore and Rural Bangalore. The beneficiaries of their efforts are the GreenSole Foundation and Sparsha Trust. Leveraging a well-known crowdfunding platform, these middle and high school students have rallied their peers, family members, and supporters to contribute to meaningful causes, highlighting the effectiveness of youth-led initiatives in driving positive change.

In a recent significant milestone, a substantial portion of the funds raised has been designated for the GreenSole Foundation. This NGO is committed to providing essential "back to school" packs for underprivileged students. With an impressive fundraising total of nearly 50 lakh rupees, GreenSole has garnered considerable support from the Canadian International School student community.

The GreenSole Foundation's "back to school" packs comprise upcycled slippers, a backpack, and a mat, providing essential supplies to students in need. One notable recipient of this initiative is the Government Higher Primary School, Thorlakki, a local institution in Rural Bangalore. These packs will directly enhance the lives of students, empowering them to pursue their education with dignity and comfort. Anusree Upendran, Head of CSR Initiatives at GreenSole Foundation, emphasized the significance of this effort, particularly for students from rural communities and low-income backgrounds. The provision of these packs will ensure that 5,357 students across Rural Bangalore can learn in an environment free from damp floors and dusty roads.

Another local charity benefiting from the generosity of CIS students is Sparsha Trust, which received around 10 lakh rupees. Sparsha Trust is dedicated to providing education to boys and girls in need in Bangalore. Currently operating two residential schools for girls, the funds raised by CIS students will contribute to food, healthcare, and educational support for the 220 female residents of one of Sparsha Trust's schools. Mr. Gopinath R, Managing Trustee of Sparsha Trust, expressed gratitude for the longstanding partnership with CIS, spanning 8-9 years. He acknowledged the ongoing support from the CIS community of students, teachers, and parents, extending a special thank you to the students and families who supported this year's fundraising campaign.

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.

"The smile on their faces touched my heart deeply. Witnessing the happiness radiating from all the students was truly moving. Spending time there was a beautiful and inspiring experience that made me realize how often we take things for granted. These packs, although seemingly small, brought immense joy to the students. I sincerely hope they appreciate the kits, and I thoroughly enjoyed fundraising for them," shared Riya, a grade 6 student at Canadian International School.

"For me, giving has always been a fundamental belief, and this opportunity allowed me to contribute in a small way to making a significant impact on the lives of some students. Throughout the fundraising journey, I stressed the importance of providing a comfortable education, considering the immense challenges less fortunate children face in accessing adequate education and breaking the cycle of poverty. The true impact of this was evident during the distribution event, where the children's eyes lit up with excitement and gratitude upon receiving the simple kit, undoubtedly leaving an immeasurable impact on their education. Personally, I believe that serving one's community is the responsibility of every responsible citizen, and everyone should participate in such activities, as they can have a profound effect on someone's life in the long run," expressed Shiven, a Grade 10 student at Canadian International School.

"We are incredibly proud of the generosity and commitment demonstrated by our CIS student community," remarked Shweta Sastri, Managing Director of Canadian International School, Bangalore. "Their steadfast dedication to supporting local NGOs and uplifting vulnerable communities embodies the values of compassion and empathy that we strive to instill in our youth."

The success of this fundraising campaign underscores the power of grassroots activism and cross-cultural collaboration in fostering positive social change. 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 generations.