The iVolunteer Journey

It was way back in school when we rode our cycles to Ashakirana and Jeevan Sandhya ashrams to give our squirrel share towards those who eagerly waited for the visitors who rarely visited the Ashrams which was few kms away from city. We did not even know that our presence made them so happy, and the old grannies telling us the same stories over and over like we were hearing it the first time. Then Urbanisation (I came to Bangalore from Chickmaglur) ruined it all. New place, loads to study and no money at all cringed all those qualities by time.

When I met Sayeesh at a trek, I had no idea that he could show me a platform to live those days again. Thanks a ton to him for that.
Diwali celebration at Surabhi(17Oct09): The first ever event where I met Prarthana, Vijayanand etc. So much life this girl has I tell you. Those Tiny tots singing and dancing with her and the others too were kids among these little blessed ones. I loved that day. I wanted to sing along and dance, but I was shy. I was happy that I spent my Diwali the best way ever.
Diwali Celebration at Reception Centre(18Oct09): The same enthu continued at the reception centre. We painted diyas, we bursted crackers, took lotsa photographs and ate sweets. Somewhere my heart bled for those little girls there, they needed more time counselling and not clothes or money I felt. More at:http://bloagomaniac.blogspot.com/2010/01/feedback-to-ivolunteer.html

My entry to iVolunteer(14Nov09): After the two events, nonetheless I was tempted to be a part of such things then after. I made it to the orientation of iVolunteer and decided to give as much as I could. I only prayed that the enthu should persist forever, unlike few who just register for the sake of it.  More than anything its the satisfaction you get at the end of the day. And its worth it.. Orientation is so much fun, one should try it, you get to meet new friends, come up with innovations and loads of fun.

Walkathon(5Dec2009): There was a lot to do for the walkathon, however apart from busy work we found enough time to walk for a cause and were mesmerised at the talent those kids had. We spent quality time at the event and watched kids dance and sing.

Dignity Donor launch(24 January 2010): This was a BIG event, and I will never forget the time spent volunteering for this event, the launch of the Dignity Donor Magazine for elderly and Chai Masti/coffee sanje club opened in Bangalore on this day. More at    : http://bloagomaniac.blogspot.com/2010/01/dignity-donor-launch-2010.html

Introduction to Asha Foundation: Honestly there was a little mean streak when I wanted to be a part of Asha. I dont know somewhere inside an evil grin smirked when Archana spoke about street plays done for HIV/AIDS awareness. My innerself(selfish) said , "hey this was what you always wanted to do too: a streetplay". I plunged at it like I was waiting for. I said YESSS.. I became a part of Orientation programme by Asha and there I met Emal, Chitra, Nikhil etc. Day 1 at the orientation was a little uncomforting because I was not used to many of those terms(which NOW I can proudly talk about) related to sex and of course if not the person who can spread awareness cannot talk about them, who else can??!!!.
And the funniest part was the skit rehearsal. Oh God! our stomach ached laughing. Either when The Bad Boy Badri offered the good boy Ganesh to visit a sex worker and Good boy joyously telling "lets go"(remember he is the good boy, he is supposed to refuse!!) or when Karthik coming to the doctor(me!!) and almost pouncing on the doctor to scare her to death while aking "Doctor how is my wife now?"

First Skit at the Police Academy(30Jan2010): It was Mahatma Gandhi's death anniversary, and we entered the Police academy right at the time when all the cadets were mourning. I was proud to be the part of the respect shown. Cadets were very disciplined. The session went well and so was the skit. My first Aids Awareness session :)

Sessions for Metro Construction Workers/IVRCL(8March10-16Apr10): Followed by this, were the series of sessions done for the Metro construction workers. We had to do this in Hindi, and most(all) of us were south Indians. Imagine our Hindi, we did manage and well indeed. I missed a last couple of sessions though, but will be a part of future events for sure.

THE SUNFEAST 10K WORLD(23May10): I have no words to describe the fun, contentment we got from this event. This MUST be the biggest event so far in my volunteering journey. The time spent cutting paper, painting, making masks etc reminded us of our school days. All came up with innovative ideas and dirtied(colored) our hands giving life to it. Run was splendid with calling out messages and slogans. The Thank you Bangalore Police and Traffic police voices made me very happy. They deserved to be thanked. Ugly was to see empty bottles and plastic discarded :( we ran for a cause or to cause pollution?? I was thinking about this when I heard everything was cleared in no time after the marathon. That was real quick and definitely commendable.

FINALLY.. All I wrote this was only to show how happy we feel doing things we like to. In less than a years Journey with iVolunteer I have had so much fun and happiness volunteering. I got many new friends, exposure to various events and a lot of good experience. Its never too late to start doing what we want to.
If something good I have done and rejoiced it, it has to be this :) There is a long way to go.. Thanks everyone for granting my tiny wishes directly or indirectly.