DATELINE DESI

HOW TO HELP THE POOR AND THE NEEDY IN INDIA

At a Toronto Calcutta Foundation (TCF) education centre in India,

Toronto Calcutta Foundation (TCF) was formed in 1988 when a group of Torontonians in business and academia came together to consider ways in helping alleviate poverty and need in Calcutta.

Funds raised in Toronto through local events, an annual mail request, the annual gala and other activities fund educational and vocational initiatives in India and Canada. They also run clinics, eye camps and other healthcare initiatives in Calcutta and help provide disaster relief.

An update on recent initiatives:

• Distribution of jackfruit and coconut saplings. In 2022 over 300,000 fruit saplings were distributed.

• Supporting 30 students who are taking courses to become nursing assistants.

• Introduction of early education to 80 pre-schoolers who are also provided breakfast.

• Distributing hygiene pads to students of three coaching centres, women of sewing centre and the patients in Naktala Medical Clinic.

• Holding 23 Eye camps between November 2022 to February 5, 2023, with more planned.

• Training 30 women in the Uttaran Sewing Training Centre. This program was launched over 15 years ago and has helped many women find work in the field or start their own business.

• TCF Education Centre for Tribal children in Bolpur which serves 80-plus students who are provided breakfast and dinner.

• Introduction of digital platforms to some 300 students for bridging the gap between them and students who have easy access to electronic devices.

To learn more or to donate, visit www.toronto-calcutta.org.

TCF has held 23 eye camps between November and February 2023, with more planned.