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Charities and Action Groups
Child Poverty Action Group, UK
CPAG promotes action for the relief, directly or indirectly, of poverty among children and families with children. CPAG works to ensure that those on low incomes get their full entitlement to welfare benefits. Inits campaigning and information work CPAG seeks to improve benefits and policies for low-income families, in order to eradicate the injustice of poverty.
The Parasparam Trust, Tamil Nadu, India
Set up with German funding and run by the indomitable Mrs. Vijayalakshmi (Viji to her friends), the Parasparam Ashram, run by the Parasparam Trust, is a fine example of give and take. Located in the tiny village of Batalagundu near the historic temple city of Madurai in the south Indian state of Tamil Nadu, the Ashram currently has 24 human inmates, all semi-orphaned girls. (We say 'human' because part of the Ashram has now been converted into a shelter for cats. The origin of this lies in an interesting story, a story of typical human callousness countered by courage and compassion, see below). The uniqueness of this home lies in its caring for girls with only one parent. This is because these children are often neglected or even abandoned by their surviving parent, for several reasons. The Trust takes in, cares for and educates these girls until they reach a state of independence. A well-known foreign cultural institute in the capital city of Chennai, with its large compound, was home to several stray cats and their kittens, who were fed by the staff of the institute. When the management changed, it was decided that all the cats be banished from the insitute, despite the pleas of the students and workers. All feeding was forbidden, and as the starving and weakened cats cried for help Viji became desperate for a solution. It was then that she hit upon the idea of relocating, or rehoming, the cats at the Ashram. Over a period of days, Viji, with the help of animal lovers, and in extremely trying circumstances, rounded up the cats (who were unused to human handling) and transported them overnight by train to Batalagundu in batches, after getting the older ones neutered. (In the process some of the cats, including an entire litter of kittens died due to weakness and trauma and one magnificent tom died of depression at the shelter). After the initial upset of adjustment, the cats slowly settled in, while a few babies joined their numbers. Lovingly cared for by the children and staff of the ashram, these beautiful creatures now live out their lives in peace…with the help of kind animal lovers who help with funding the feeding, medical care and maintenance of the cattery. The word ‘parasparam’ means ‘mutual’ and the word acquires a deeper meaning with the advent of the cats – now, homeless and disadvantaged children share their space with felines who suffered the same fate, and Parasparam has given them a place in which to grow, learn, explore the wonder of life, and put their painful pasts behind them. Needless to add, the children (numbering 24 in all) adore and take good care of the cats (who now outnumber the children at 36!). In turn, the cats provide lively and loving playmates for the children. Now, there are 11 rescued dogs housed in the shelter as well. 'We intend Parasparam to stand as an example for other institutions so that people and animals may come together to help each other' says Devika Khazvini, founder of The Cattitude Trust, who helped relocate the cats and fund the construction of the cat shelter, and continues to help maintain the shelter, which is a joint venture of the two Trusts. For more details, pictures etc about the shelter and the Cattitude Trust, click here.
Mercy Corps, USA/Scotland
Mercy Corps is a not-for-profit organization that exists to alleviate suffering, poverty, and oppression by helping people build secure, productive, and just communities. Mercy Corps works amid disasters, conflicts, chronic poverty and instability to unleash the potential of people who can win against nearly impossible odds. Since 1979, Mercy Corps has provided $1 billion in assistance to people in 94 nations. Supported by headquarters offices in North America, Europe, and Asia, the agency's unified global programs employ 3,200 staff worldwide and reach nearly 13.5 million people in more than 40 countries.
"UNDP is the UN's global development network, advocating for change and connecting countries to knowledge, experience and resources to help people build a better life. We work in 166 countries through a network of 135 country offices worldwide, working with them on their own solutions to global and national development challenges. UNDP does not represent any one approach to development; rather, our commitment is to assist partner governments in finding their own approaches, according to their own unique national circumstances."
The American Red Cross provides assistance to people in need … free of charge … every single day! Your contribution means a great deal to the organization … but even more to the families who rely on the Red Cross to help them through some of the most difficult times of their lives.
The BBC Children in Need TV show has always been a favourite amongst TV viewers. It promises to serve up many unique TV gems, and unmissable chances to spy famous pop stars, celebrities and actors doing things they wouldn't normally do. Since 1980, the BBC Children in Need appeal has raised over £300 million for disadvantaged children living in the UK.
By just visiting the Hunger Site and clicking the link provided, you can contribute to feeding the poor. You spend nothing but a few seconds of your time.