Mission 30x30 - Helping Lotus Petal Kids in COVID 19 times.

"A kid's future shouldn't have to suffer, just because we couldn't arrange a laptop!"
- My talk with Kushal (founder of lotus petal) early June 2020.

Friends,

This is an appeal. To raise funds to provide laptops to Lotus Petal kids, in these COVID-19 times, so they can continue their education. There is a need for 30k USD and I am running 30 half marathons in June/July/Aug 2020 to raise awareness and funds for the same. I need your support. Just like you came together and helped with 50k initiative back in 2017...

I am counting on your support...Read on...

Never did I realize that a mere laptop could be the difference!

But it is...today....for lotus petal kids.

See, coronavirus has been a kicker.

Before we could realize, schools were closed, students sent home and the city went on lockdown.

Thanks to an earlier "school-in-cloud" pilot, we were able to pivot to online classes (live zoom sessions and archive youtube sessions) instructing kids to watch it on their mobiles.

But that only goes so far.

A laptop is what they need for bigger screens, school assignments, and interactive sessions, etc.

We started with an online concert to raise money. Got 6k. Worked with a provider and were able to procure laptops, internet data cards for an affordable price. That helped the first 130 kids (the ones in 10 and 12th up for board exams). But thats 30% of kids. We have 70% yet to be enabled.

The need is now, and its super urgent!

We must help.

Now.

Can't let a mere laptop hinder kids' future.

Not after how far these kids have come through. Not after when they have proven their potential and we know they will be successful and be better citizens contributing to society. Uplifting their families, their communities in the process.

These kids know the chance given to them and they toil for it. Day in day out. Against obstacles.

We.Must.Help

Click to donate (from the USA, from India).

For cisco match (needs CEC id and cisco credentials) Please click https://cisco.brightfunds.org/outside_transactions/new?organization_id=392068(needs receipt of donation that you get in email, date of donation...takes a minute to double your donation).

God bless,
Arun
p.s. I started running June 5th and thanks to covid-19...all marathons are on garage treadmill....7 half marathons done as of June 23rd. You can follow the progress here.

Comments

Update on Lotus Funds - A visit to campus

Dear donors, 152 donors, 20 countries, 52k USD raised - Huge thank you! I happened to visit India on a short trip and was lucky to spend a few hours at Lotus Petal. Here are highlights of what I saw. 1. First, your donations are making a difference. Lotus Petal Foundation raised about 2 crores in the recent fundraising drive at DelhiAirTelHalfMarathon and came up #1 (even surpassing Bharti foundation). Your 33lakhs were a huge contribution to that. Thank you. 12 new classrooms being built The lotus petal facility is a rented property (rent is about 3 lakhs a month) but the property owner graciously allowed construction. 12 new classrooms are being built and construction work was at full swing. Given that 75 students were added recently (out of 475 that appeared for registration), these new additions are very important. There are total of 400 kids at Lotus Petal now. 2. Things that hit you off the bat when you visit Lotus Petal is ...

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