Johnas Sequeira
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Feb 15: In today's fast pace of life and overly materialiastic world where people hardly have time for themselves or for their families, morality and values have taken a backseat. We have no time to spare for the less privileged, and most of us simply turn a blind eye to the poor living on streets.
But there are exceptions and exceptional people. Like Corrine Rasquinha.
Corrine Rasquinha
Corrine, founder and president of White Doves NGO, has not only been feeding food to the hungry and needy but also been giving shelter and medicines to the destitutes.
Narrating her journey, Corrine says it was back in the 90s when she could not have children due to a medical reason that she first felt the need to do something for society. After attending many prayer meets and retreats, she was inspired when, before the Blessed Sacrament, she heard the Lord's Word 'What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his soul'. After making a good confession, she resolved to lead a life serving the Lord by serving the lonely and the poor. She started serving in a small way by visiting the Government Hospital and an old age home. Her work was rewarded by God, when she conceived and delivered a baby girl, to the utter surprise of the doctors. Then on, having seen the power of God there was no turning back.
She then took a giant leap by setting up White Doves. White Doves operates two rehabilitation centres - one for women and children at Matadakani and another for men at Jail Road - both in temporary premises. White Doves has been caring for and sheltering the abused, the destitute and the mentally challenged by providing them unflinching support. Even police officials seek assistance for the needy from White Doves. Most of the inmates are from distant places, rescued from public places where they are found starving and delirious. They are picked up, cleansed, medically treated and rehabilitated. All efforts are made to locate the families of the rehabilitated persons and they are happily reunited. So far, White Doves has reunited 80 persons with their families in Madhya Pradesh, Bhopal, Kolkata and other places.
This apart, White Doves has been distributing an average of 125 packets of food to the needy on the streets, railway station and bus stands every day for the past 18 years. White Doves has also built eight homes to the poor and have been giving monthly ration to 25 families. Their countless services also include scholarships to needy students. Presently White Doves looks after 130 inmates in its homes. One can phone Corrine Rasquinha anytime in case of spotting any needy person. She personally goes to bring the inmates. They can be of any age , any religion or any caste. All are same to White Doves.
New project
In the year 2009, Corrine was diagnosed with third stage cancer and acute Hepatitis B. Her condition deteriorated so much that she was in a coma. "By God's grace, I recovered and in the year 2012 my reports were all normal, and cancer was completely cured. Having a close encounter with death, I felt that I needed to make a permanent abode for all these inmates before the lord calls me."
After two years of search for land, bishop of Mangaluru diocese Dr Aloysius Paul D'Souza gave 49 cents of land at Maroli for the construction of White Doves Psychiatric Nursing and Destitute Home. It is a 200-bed facility to treat people picked up from the streets of Mangaluru and surrounding areas. The foundation stone for the project was laid by bishop Dr Aloysius on February 2.
The project cost has been estimated at Rs 7.5 to Rs 8 crore, and needs the support of generous donors and philanthropists in order to materialize. Let us join hands with Corrine Rasquinha in her mission to selflessly serve the society and make this world a better place, and in turn, do our bit for the needy.
Those who wish to help may send their contributions to:
White Doves
Account No: 50100127382631
HDFC Bank
Kadri, Mangaluru - 575002
IFSC : HDFC0000094
MIRC: 575240002
For more details contact: Vitus Rasquinha- 00919845196188 or Jerome Coelho-00919845607615.
Website: www.whitedoves.in
Email: whitedovesmangalore@hotmail.com