RCMNY hosted an extremely successful “Bollywood” fundraiser at the East Hampton home of member Nadine Homann and her husband Tarun on Saturday August 16, 2014. Over $10,000 was raised after all expenses as 100+ guests enjoyed some delicious spicy treats from the streets from India as Bollywood music streamed in the background with onsite Henna and elaborate decorations adding to the colorful afternoon.

The project – Leg for Legless – will benefit Mahavir Seva Sadan (MSS) , the only Institution in Eastern India (Kolkata) pioneering the manufacture and fitment of artificial Limbs, Calipers, Molded/Surgical Shoes to the physically challenged/ orthopedically handicapped at no cost. It has helped over 140,000 Physically Challenged people since 1985, and counting.

With each limb costing approximately $25-30, several hundred people will benefit from the money raised. RCMNY team is working to add to the tally by working with the partner club in Kolkata – RC Calcutta Metropolitan (RCCM) – to apply for a Global Grant combined with the District Designated Funds (DDF) and additional donation with the goal of raising over $40,000. RCCM has the distinction of being the first triple Paul Harris club in the history or RI.

The Project comprises providing artificial limbs and polio-calipers (braces) to beneficiaries at MSS base camp in Kolkata, India and also at outreach camps at other locations in the country. There shall be no charge to beneficiaries. A few beneficiaries may also be provided with Artificial Hand Limbs, a more recent and well-established technological innovation. MSS houses Artificial Limb Unit, Mobile Workshop, Physiotherapy Department, Diagnostic Centre, Homeopathy Clinic, Cerebral Palsy Unit for Children, Polio Correction Camp, Eye Care Clinic and Vocational Training Centre Under one roof. All of the services provided by them are FREE of cost to the beneficiaries.

Our friends at the RCCM will operate the project in terms of making sure the money raised is used for the specified purpose. The artificial limbs and polio calipers will be manufactured and fitted by technicians of MSS having project facilities at their regular base in Kolkata India. An independent NGO, MSS is very closely associated with RCCM in RI Dist. 3291. LFL is an ongoing project of RCCM with a commitment to provide free limbs and calipers to those in need. The service spectrum also covers free repair service for the entire lifespan of 3 to 5 years of Jaipur Foot and Calipers for polio

The LFL team at RCMNY is already in the process of planning the sequel of the Bollywood event.

The implementation of the Global Grant, Leg for Legless (LFL), has been making very good progress. The goal of the grant was to distribute a minimum of 1500 limbs at a cost of under $30 a piece. Since August 2015 till January’2016, our partner club (Rotary Club of Calcutta Metropolitan) has helped distribute 666 limbs out of the allotment of 1500 under this grant. We hope to continue the current pace and build on the momentum in the coming year.

For any questions, please contact club member(s) Nadine Homann or Bharat Jalan.

Reference Websites:

Mahavir Seva Sadan → http://www.mahavirsevasadan.com/

RC Calcutta Metropolitan → http://www.rccmetropolitan.org/