Chief Minister Inaugurates Winter Aid Distribution Drive in Diocese of Dehradun

As part of its endeavor to help disadvantaged families stay warm in the winter, Believers Church Diocese of Dehradun started its winter aid distribution drive on 23rd November 2016. Shri. Harish Rawat, Honourable Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, inaugurated the drive.

The inaugural event, held in connection with the Annual Day celebration of Bridge of Hope, was attended by over 1,500 people. It commenced with the lighting of the lamp by the chief guest Shri. Harish Rawat, the guest of honor Shri. Kishore Upadhyaya, President of Pradesh Congress Committee, and Bishop Dr. Simon John, Bishop of Believers Church Diocese of Delhi.

Delivering the inaugural address, the chief Minister Shri. Harish Rawat, said, “These celebrations reflect the joy of giving. Some of our brothers, sisters, and children live amidst the most difficult social and financial circumstances. Whereas the government always puts its best foot forward, such empathy from civil society creates an exemplary model for everyone else to emulate.”

The Hon’ble Chief Minister and the dignitaries on the dais distributed blankets to 100 children hailing from economically backward families. The chief minister also presented awards to underprivileged children who excelled in academics, sports, and other extra-curricular activities.

Speaking on the occasion, Bishop Dr. Simon John said, “We do this exercise every year to integrate marginalized people and their families with the mainstream society. These small gestures of recognition for the children and comfort for adults during hardships go a long way in nation building and inclusive development.”

“This is just one of the activities we undertake every year to recognize and encourage children as well as adults from the underprivileged sections so that they can become a part of India’s growth story,” said, Rev. Fr. Japha of Diocese of Dehradun.

Almost 700 students from Bridge of Hope Project centers of Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh performed diverse cultural programs and showcased their talents during the event.

The diocese will provide blankets to 2,000 deprived families during this drive, which will keep them protected from the harsh effects of winter.