Chiks
Children's Homes in Kerala State (Chiks) is a small charity supporting three homes across Kerala, India, for orphaned and destitute children.
Karunanilayam is a short distance north of Kochi (Cochin) in the midst of the plantations that make up much of Kerala. It is run by Sister Mary Mathew who trained in caring for the poor with Mother Teresa in Calcutta.
In addition to this there are two homes established in the Kerala hills. Little Flower Mercy Home lies in the central region and, in addition to a large number of children, also cares for destitute adults. Carmel Matha Santhi Bhavan lies in the north and works to rehabilitate rescued street children.
While all three homes were originally about providing shelter and food for children who found themselves in the most desperate of situations, they are now about providing much more.
Every child that enters one of the homes is encouraged to regard it as home, a safe haven in an often challenging world. Those that run the homes try to equip the young people with vocational training and other skills for independent living that will hopefully halt the cycle of deprivation that brought them there by enabling them to obtain regular employment.
If you are interested in finding out more about supporting the valuable work of this charity where all fund-raising and administration is carried out by volunteers, either contact Robin Radley at
http://www.chikschildrenshomes.org/index.html
Having visited two of the homes ourselves and knowing a number of the trustees and supporters, we can vouch for the excellent work of this small band of compassionate people.
Why not consider sponsoring a child? Or, if you live near the Surrey Hampshire borders, why not support one of the fund-raising events?
Even better, why not hold a fund-raising event of your own? Perhaps a coffee morning and bring and buy with friends and neighbours?
Buy Chiks marmalade - at £2 per jar this is a popular staple or gift! Available on this website.
