Birthday Party with a Social Twist

Want to add a social twist to your child’s first birthday?

Here is a way in which you can make a meaningful contribution to the society without any investment. Ananth has set a wonderful example for us. To celebrate his son’s first birthday, he organized a party on the New Year’s Eve (31-12-2014). The twist was, he requested all the guests to NOT bring any gifts and motivated them to donate at charity stalls set up at the party venue.

Following is the post script of the party invitation:

"P.S: Strictly no gifts. Kindly drop ur generous contributions at the charity stalls at the party"

Ananth invited CSS and three other NGOs, which were Blue cross, Tha ma ni and Ekam foundation. Our CSS volunteers reached the place by 6 PM and set up our stall along with 25 saplings. We gave a brief introduction about CSS and Vegam. We also showed pictures of Vegam event 2014. We also got a chance to talk to the guests individually as they visited our stall.

At the end of the event, we collected Rs.4,000 and distributed 3 saplings to the guests. After having a nice dinner, we started from the place by 9.30 PM. The remaining saplings were given to Ananth, which he distributed to the guests at the end of the party.

Thanks Ananth for setting a wonderful example of dedication to social causes. Kudos to Ananth and blessings to his son. Heart-felt gratitude for the other CSS volunteers.

CSS Volunteers - Akshayaa, Surya and Ashwin

Venue - 400' barbeque restaurant, T Nagar

Visit to Mahabs

On December 28, we planned to take our tuition center kids to Mahabalipuram for a one day outing.

46 kids from Gandhi Nagar tuition centre (near Island ground) and 34 kids from Nehru Nagar tuition centre (Ennore) got ready along with 15 care takers and 13 volunteers.

2 buses were booked and the kids were boarded. All were turned into Santa that day (wearing the lovely santa caps).

First, we visited the crocodile park. A nice cake kept us away from hunger. Next, we went to Mahabalipuram. We visited 5 Rathas, with the company of guide Lakshmanan, we learnt some good information regarding the spot.

Then, we had the wonderful lunch delivered by our Kannan (Veg briyani, raitha, sambhar saadham, potato curry, chips and sweet)

After lunch, all the big and little santa's marched towards the rock, climbed up the hill, and so on.

Then, visited the light house, and on return again the delicious Chappathi, parotta and Chenna of Kannan were waiting for us.

After finishing everything, team returned to their buses and continued with some rock and roll performance and reached back to home safely.

Thanks to Mr & Mrs Uday (Lakshmi Rekha) who sponsored 30k for spending a wonderfull day.

Thanks to Mr. Koushik for sponsoring the cakes.

Thanks to Swami sir and Jeyabalan for bringing the Santas alive by sponsoring the santa caps.

Thanks to Ashwin for sponsoring INR 2,000/-, Sasikumar INR 1,000/-, Praveen and Mithila for their donation of INR 500/- each.

Attendees:

1. Lakshmi Rekha

2. Charu

3. Akshaya

4. Nandhini Shri

5. Raghav

6. Praveen

7. Tiru

8. Jaffer

9. Suryaprasad

10. Arun Prasad

11. Satish Bonthu

12. Prithvi

13. Venkat

Merry Christmas with Kids

Jingle bells jingle bells jingle all the way……Who is the Santa?...hmmm…one our CSS member. Guess who could it be and leave your answer as a comment to the blog.  

Some of our CSS members celebrated Christmas this year along with the kids in Tiruvallur (as requested by Sister Prabha).

On  December 27, we reached the place by 11:30 AM. The day started with the kids exhibiting talents, such as storytelling, singing, and so on.

Then, Mr. Santa made a surprise entry and increased the enthusiasm level of the children. Santa distributed gifts to all the 57 odd children presented there.

Later, veg food (Briyani, brinjal thokku, raitha, sambhar rice, potato curry and sweet) was served. 

Post lunch, cake pieces were distributed to all. Finally, organic health mix packets were also distributed to the kids.

Thanks to Rathi for sponsoring cakes. Also, she and her friend sponsored the gifts as well.

Thanks to all attendees.

Volunteers:

1. Charu

2. Rathi

3. Raghav

4. Jeyabalan

5. Jeyabalan's cousin

6. Venkat

7. Praveen

8. Yuvaraj

9. Yuvaraj's wife

Stepping Stone for a Park

We planted trees and distributed saplings. We also wanted to clean the roads. But, we decided to let the politicians do it. We instead enjoyed a wonderful meal at Ashwin’s place.

Now here are the details of the entire activity…..Ashwin, his family, and his neighbors have worked over years to convert a waste land to a park. They have successfully made the land ready for the park by clearing the land of thorny shrubs, increasing the level of the land and so on. On December 21, 2014, an event was organized to kick start the construction of the park. The counsellor and Panchayat head were the chief guests and a lot of families were the audience. CSS distributed plant saplings among the families and helped the chief guests plant the trees.   

Now, to get the park ready, they are planning to construct walking pathways, compound walls, play area and of course plant more trees. So this is a wonderful example of how we should convert waste/barren lands to beautiful parks. Our passionate volunteers made a hectic activity look like a `walk in the park.'

And we also put up a poster about child safety in a temple.

Thanks to the volunteers:

• Ashwin
• Akshyaa
• Jaffer
• Sai  
• Surya
• Arun
• Mahesh
• Kanchan  

Photo Album link: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.878354598863052.1073741866.100000655597076&type=1

Reading session for visually challenged students- 13th December @Triplicane

The Fifth reading session went on well @ Triplicane

Total Students: 6 (2 from Presidency, 2 from Queen Marys College & 2 from Nandhanam Arts college)

Total number of volunteers: 8 (6 CSS members, 1 from Thomson Reuters and 1 from CTS). Thanks to All.

RathiDevi

Balasubramaniam Sir

Bala sir's wife

Meenakshi

MeenaKumari

Master Varun

Suresh

Bala sir sponsored sweets and snacks for the volunteers and students to celebrate his wedding anniversary!

Tea were sponsored by TKKNN Vysya Charities.

PS:

1.This reading session will be under CSS banner. Those who wish to be part of CSS can enroll themselves in our site - www.chennaisocialservice.org

2. During the reading session, please put the mobile in silent or in low volume. If you need to make/attend any calls, kindly come away from the premises, so that it won't disturb other readers and students.

3. Please don't share your numbers with any of the students. If they ask for the number to be contacted during the time of requirement, kindly ask them to meet/contact Venkat. 

Kindly share your suggestions/ideas/feedback. We will improve our capability.

For any queries, reach @ 98415 50476/ 87540 45125

Fourth Session - Reading Centre

The fourth session at our reading centre went on well @ Triplicane.

Total Students: 7 (3 from Presidency, 1 from Queen Marys College, 1 from Madras University, 1 from Vivekananda college & 1 from Madurai Kamarajar University )

Total number of volunteers: 10 (6 CSS members, 2 from Thomson Reuters and 2 others) Thanks to All.

Following are the volunteers:  

• Jai Sankar
• RathiDevi
• Balasubramaniam Sir
• Meenakshi
• Karthikaa
• MeenaKumari
• Nandhini
• Karthika
• Master Varun

 Snacks were sponsored by the TKKNN Vysya Charities.

 PS:

1.This reading session will be under CSS banner. Those who wish to be part of CSS can enroll themselves in our site - www.chennaisocialservice.org

2. During the reading session, please put the mobile in silent or in low volume. If you need to make/attend any calls, kindly come away from the premises, so that it won't disturb other readers and students.

3. Please don't share your numbers with any of the students. If they ask for the number to be contacted during the time of requirement, kindly ask them to Venkat. 

 Kindly share your suggestions/ideas/feedback. We will improve our capability.

For any queries, reach @ 98415 50476/ 87540 45125.

Sapling Distribution - November End

We had 2 awesome sapling distribution events on November 28 and November 29.

The first one was during the engagement ceremony of Alexraj and Grahalakshmi in Chrompet on Friday evening. We took 30 saplings, but only 20 were distributed to 12 people and we returned the remaining 10. Volunteers were Surya and Sai. A guest who attended the engagement enquired about CSS and got interested in our activities. He would like to attend our meetings J.

Next, distribution was at Divya's reception in T.Nagar. We took 60 saplings and an awesome 59 samples were distributed to 45 people. Of the 60, 20 of them were plant saplings, because of the request! Volunteers were Surya, Arun, Pavithra and Sai. As always, people love to take the tree saplings and grow them, but because of space constraints, many couldn't!

Both the events were awesome. Our feedback team will follow up on the given saplings after a month :)

Thanks to Alexraj and Divya for giving us an opportunity to make Chennai a greener :-)

New Members and New Records - Sapling Distribution

During the last 2 weeks, we distributed saplings in and around Kodungaiyur.

On Nov 16, Surya, Arun, Gurubaran and Sai distributed 13 saplings to 4 homes in Manali, Puzhal areas.

On Nov 23, Surya, Sai and Nirmal distributed 20 saplings to 6 homes in and around Kolathur, Perambur, Red Hills.

This was probably the first time in our ECG history that we had the 2nd distribution activity on the same day (Nov 23 evening) :).

Akshyaa, Arun and Surya distributed 6 saplings to 2 homes in West Mambalam.

The young and budding members are easily outperforming aged Tiru and Sai with multiple distributions and that is awesome for our Mother Earth :-)

Few snaps:

More snaps @ https://plus.google.com/photos/116575681234767831679/albums/6086647766390396945

Reading session for visually challenged students - 15th Nov, 2014 - Session 3

Third session of our reading centre went on well @ Triplicane

Total Students: 29 (26 from Presidency, 1 from Queen Mary's College & 2 from Madras University )

Total number of volunteers: 20 (14 CSS members, 4 from TCS and 2 from Thomson Reuters) Thanks to All.

Pavithra

Jai Sankar

RathiDevi

Balasubramaniam Sir

Renganathan

Ashwin

Bala

Sudha

Karthik

Meenakshi

MeenaKumari

Sripoongothai

Parthiban

Charumathy

Master Varun

Nalini

Manine Thiraviya

Meenakshi

Deepa

Venkat

40 cups of tea were sponsored by the TKKNN Vysya Charities.

5 biscuit packets were sponsored by Balasubramaniyam sir's friend and 1 packet by Bala from TCS.

1.Those who wish to be part of these events can enroll themselves in our site - www.chennaisocialservice.org

2. During the reading session, please put the mobile in silent or in low volume. If you need to make/attend any calls, kindly come away from the premises, so that it won't disturb other readers and students.

3. Please don't share your numbers with any of the students. If they ask for the number to be contacted during the time of requirement, kindly ask them to meet/contact me. 

Kindly share your suggestions/ideas/feedbacks. Will improve our capability.

For any queries, reach @ 98415 50476/ 87540 45125

More Snaps at https://plus.google.com/photos/100029059227283819807/albums/6084006396221652241

Child Abuse Prevention - Brainstorming Session

An awareness/brainstorming session was conducted on Novermber 16, 2014 among CSS volunteers on how parents can play a better role to prevent child abuse. The main purpose of this session was to have a discussion with the parents in CSS before conducting awareness session among the general public on child safety.

Attendees

Ponmurugan, Venkat, Charu, Ashwinkumar, Meenakumari, Akshya, Akshya’s mother, Sasikumar, Sasikumar’s wife, Rathi, Lakshmi Rekha, Saiyasodharan, Swaminathan, Muthukutti, Manohar, Pavithra, Kanchan, Kothandapani and family.

Session by

Venkat, Pon Murugan, and Kanchan

Number of Parents: 6

At the start of the session, the parents present there stated their expectations from the session. Next, a written survey of 20 questions was conducted to understand how parents interact with their kids.

Next, a discussion was conducted on the responses to the survey questions. The parents explained their responses. Other parents and volunteers gave their opinion on the recommended approach for each question. 

Following were the key takeaways from the survey:

• Children also watch television while their parents are watching. In some families, the children watch television in their own rooms. This is a concern as it may be difficult to monitor the child’s activity. Children try to imitate what they watch on television. For example, Watching WWF or some fight scenes in cartoon shows encourages children to do similar acts. Parents also stated that they avoid switching channels when some awkward scenes are shown.
• Children emphasis on parents following rules. For example traffic rules.
• When children make mistakes, parents talk to them and give them opportunities to correct them. Only then do they shout or beat the child.
• Parents appreciate their kids for their achievements and usually answer queries of the child.
• Parents usually treat their own parents in a respected way in front of their children.
• In some families, fights between spouses in front of the children is a concern. The recommended approach was to take efforts and avoid such fights in front of the children as these fights have a negative impact on the child.  
• Some parents try to monitor their child’s online activities. Monitoring the activities was recommended.    
• Parents are not comfortable using the actual names of private parts. However, it is recommended that parents need to educate their child with actual names of private parts.
• A couple also expressed their opinion on how they find it difficult to monitor their child’s activity when she visits her neighbor.  

Next, Pon Murugan made a presentation on how to prevent child abuse. The presentation focused on why and how parents should talk to their children regularly and empower their children to prevent sexual abuse. Pon Murugan also showed a sample video on how to educate children about sexual abuse.

The session concluded with the participants sharing their opinion on child abuse. Ashwin also recommended that it is essential to educate boys about sexual abuse, and break the myth that boys are not sexually abused.

Children’s Day Celebration at Raalaapadi

We celebrated children’s day with the students of Government Middle School at Raalaapadi. There were approximately 235 students across class 1 to 8 from different mediums (Tamil, English, and Telgu).

The celebration was a wonderful experience for all the volunteers, students, and teachers.

Volunteers were assigned to each class, and were provided with the required information and resources. The volunteers conducted various games and explained the reason behind celebrating children’s day. The various games included connecting the dots and coloring the picture, finding out the difference, thinking differently, Kabadi, and essay competition. For each game, winners were identified based on pre-determined criteria.

Not to forget, each student learnt to give a high-five :).

Prizes, such as coloring books, sketch pens, crayons, water bottles, exam pads, and pencils. All participants were given consolation prizes. The students then thanked CSS and stated that they enjoyed the day. To end the event, the school provided payasam to the volunteers. We left the school with sweet memories.

Following were the volunteers for the event:

• Palanidurai Sir
• Sathish Bonthu
• Prithviraj
• Suryaprasad
• Ashwin
• Ponmurgan
• Vijaylakshmi Madam
• Kanchan
• Jeyabalan
• Raghav
• Gayathri
• Kirubhakkaran
• Tiru
• Yuvraj
• Venkat

Thanks to Almas, Rathi and friends for sponsoring the gift.

Thanks to Gayathri and Viji madam for the wonderful quillings.

Link to photos: https://plus.google.com/u/0/photos/110670418832208697263/albums/6081580006016918913 and

https://plus.google.com/photos/103610604374940590192/albums/6081584105925467025?cfem=1

  

Red Drops - October Update

`Chanceay Illa` month for Red Drops. We arranged for

1. 167 units in last month, 1) The highest ever 2) First time Century.
2. for 83 Patients (57 from govt. hospitals). We saved
1. 9 kids
2. 13 pregnant women
3. others are accident cases
3. 1 kid died :( (RIP)
4. 23 New Donors
5. We gave atleast 1 unit to all requests.
6. Big Applause to Akshyaa, Rathi and Divya for their timely co-ordination and support.
7. Great emotional feedback from many Patients.

1 request from Perambur Railway Hospital for A+ve request. Already 16 units given on that day. So Akshyaa went there to give blood and found the patient is of poor economic background. She brought her family and managed to give 4 units of blood of 8 requests units.

VScribe - Exam scribe - October Updates

We supported a whooping 76 scribing sessions.

Students of M.O.P. college scribed for 14 of such sessions and Students from Ethiraj college volunteered for 6 sessions.

On individual perspective, Kanchan and Jeyashree madam scribed for 5 sessions each.

Divya scribed for 4 sessions and helped in arranging scribes for 6 sessions.

Second Reading Session @ Triplicane and Need Volunteers for Scribing

Second session of our reading center went on well today @ Triplicane

Total Students: 18:

• 13 from Presidency,
• 1 from Pachiayappan college,
• 2 from Queen Marys College,
• 1 from Madras University,
• 1 Student from Vivekananda College

Total number of volunteers: 22

1. Mahesh
2. Pavithra
3. Jai Sankar
4. RathiDevi
5. Balasubramaniam Sir
6. Saravanan Mani
7. Renganathan
8. Ashwin
9. Harikrishnan
10. Abinaya
11. Sridhar
12. Ashella
13. Anitha Srinath
14. Edith
15. Priyamvadha
16. Bala
17. Sudha
18. Karthik
19. Madhushree Mukherjee
20. Meenakshi
21. Meena

Thanks to everyone for your time and appreciate your voluntarism.

Please find the schedule for exams for the next 1 week. Let me know if you are available on any particular days.

10th Nov, Monday - Queen Mary's College - English - 3 scribes required - 9AM to 12PM

10th Nov, Monday - Queen Mary's College - Tamil - 2 scribes required - 9AM to 12PM

10th Nov, Monday - MSSW - English - 1 scribe required - 10AM to 1PM

11th Nov, Tuesday - Ambedkar Law College, High Court - English - 1 scribe required - 2PM to 5PM

11th Nov, Tuesday - Ambedkar Law University, R.A.Puram - English - 1 scribe required - 10AM to 1PM

12th Nov, Wednesday - Queen Mary's College - English - 3 scribes required - 9AM to 12PM

12th Nov, Wednesday - Queen Mary's College - Tamil - 2 scribes required - 9AM to 12PM

12th Nov, Wednesday - MSSW - English - 1 scribe required - 10AM to 1PM

12th Nov, Wednesday - Chellammaal College - Tamil - 1 scribe required - 10AM to 1PM

12th Nov, Wednesday - Ambedkar Law College, High Court - Tamil- 1 scribe required - 10AM to 1PM

12th Nov, Wednesday - Ambedkar Law College, High Court - English - 1 scribe required - 2PM to 5PM

13th Nov, Thursday - Chellammaal College - Tamil - 1 scribe required - 10AM to 1PM

13th Nov, Thursday - Ambedkar Law College, High Court - Tamil- 1 scribe required - 10AM to 1PM

13th Nov, Thursday - Ambedkar Law College, High Court - English - 1 scribe required - 2PM to 5PM

13th Nov, Thursday - Ambedkar Law University, R.A.Puram - English - 1 scribe required - 10AM to 1PM

14th Nov, Friday - Chellammaal College - Tamil - 1 scribe required - 10AM to 1PM

14th Nov, Friday - Ambedkar Law College, High Court - Tamil- 1 scribe required - 10AM to 1PM

14th Nov, Friday - Ambedkar Law College, High Court - English - 1 scribe required - 2PM to 5PM

15th Nov, Saturday - Queen Mary's College - English - 3 scribes required - 9AM to 12PM

15th Nov, Saturday - Queen Mary's College - Tamil - 2 scribes required - 9AM to 12PM

15th Nov, Saturday - Ambedkar Law College, High Court - Tamil- 1 scribe required - 10AM to 1PM

15th Nov, Saturday - Ambedkar Law University, R.A.Puram - English - 1 scribe required - 10AM to 1PM

PS:

1. Those who wish to be part of the events can enroll themselves in our site - www.chennaisocialservice.org

2. During the reading session, please put the mobile in silent or in low volume. If you need to make/attend any calls, kindly come away from the premises, so that it won't disturb other readers and students.

3. Please don't share your numbers with any of the students. If they ask for the number to be contacted during the time of requirement, kindly ask them to meet/contact me.

More Snaps @ https://plus.google.com/photos/100029059227283819807/albums/6079765432264083441

Kindly share your suggestions/ideas/feedbacks. Will improve our capability.

For any queries, reach @ 98415 50476/ 87540 45125