Media Release

Kuwait, Jun 14: The premier organization of Mangalurean Catholics, Kuwait Canara Welfare Association (KCWA) residing here is synonymous with charity, fostering brotherhood and the like. Since its inception in July 1988, KCWA has untiringly worked towards upliftment of its brethren back home in India as well as bee a helping hand to the needy here. With over rupees four crore donated towards education and charitable cause through the backing and generosity of its association members and well wishers, KCWA only aims to reach out to more people in need and in any small way make a positive difference in their lives.

KCWA representatives Maria Rinna D’Souza, Rony Suares, Louis D’Costa, Gilbert Mathias and Jovita Fernandes recently handed over funds to five projects that were patronized by KCWA during the term 2015-2017. Below is the summary of those projects:

1. Nirmala Ashram, Mount Rosary, Alangar received INR 10 lac
Mount Rosary provides rehabilitation for patients suffering from tuberculosis. Housing over 250 people, there are people from all walks of life – the destitute who have nobody to look after them, patients who are cured from TB but do not have a home to go to and senior citizens. The ashrams take care of every need of their inmates and are always in need of generous hearts to help them carry on with this noble cause. KCWA during the semi-finals of the prestigious Gulf Voice of Mangalore Season 5 for Kuwait contestants donated every cent of the surplus amount generated in organizing the programme.

2. Jeevadan received INR 4 lac
Jeevadan, run by the daughters of St Camillus, provides physiological needs to abandoned HIV/AIDS infected women and children and fulfil their necessities by providing them food, clothing, shelter, medical care, formal and informal education and parental love. They offer vocational training in skills including flower making, candle making, gardening etc and offer spiritual nourishment, counseling and guidance. KCWA through its programme Kala Utsav 2017 donated part of its profit toward this noble cause.

3. Snehalaya Charitable Trust received INR 4 lac
With the Cross of Christ as their inspiration and driving force, Snehalaya is home for the abandoned. They care and nurture the destitute, those neglected from family or society due to mental illness, HIV and cancer patients, alcoholics and drug addicts, prostitutes, paupers who have wasted their wealth and health through gambling and immoral lifestyle and various other people. KCWA through its programme Kala Utsav 2017 donated part of its profit toward this noble cause.

4. Christaraj Navchetan Special School for differently abled children received INR 4,65,000
Christaraj is run by the Ursuline Franciscan Sisters of Mangaluru and provides education and houses differently abled children hailing from poor financial background. They have children with Down’s Syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy, ADHD, mentally challenged, speech impairment, epilepsy and hydrocephalous. The school provides them basic lifeskills such as eating, brushing etc, academic skills and vocational training. Many students from Christaraj have proved themselves by participating in special Olympics and have won medals and laurels. KCWA through its 'Each One Teach One' initiative encouraged its members to come forward and support the complete or partial education of at least one child. The response and encouragement from its members was outstanding and the amount generated through donations covered the total expense for one academic year of the presently trained 32 children.

5. Sampada – Udupi, KCWA Central Education Fund received INR 27 lac
KCWA Central Education Fund, managed by the diocese of Udupi under the guidance of Bishop of Udupi Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo, supports the education of needy and deserving students in the diocese of Udupi. The students can avail interest free loan from this revolving fund and return the same after securing a job, which will benefit many more needy and deserving students.

Special Mention: St Mary’s College, Bela received INR 10 lac
KCWA had pledged to support St Mary’s College at its inception and thus it is an honor and privilege to be part of such a historic moment for the children of Bela and to see the college in all its glory. Roy Castelino inaugurated the library block named after KCWA on March 9 with the blessings of Bishop of Mangaluru Dr Aloysius Paul D’Souza and wishes of many other dignitaries.

In total, KCWA disbursed funds, amounting to Indian Rupees forty nine lac sixty five thousand and this was solely possible due to the blessings of its patroness Mother Mary and the support, motivation and kind heartedness of its members, donors and sponsors. As Mother Theresa said 'We cannot all do great things, but we can do small things with great love'. KCWA hopes to strive and work harder towards its mission statement.