North South Foundation (NSF) announced their successful fundraising event, “Educate India Walk” to provide scholarships to poor children in India. About one hundred and fifty participants including fifty children participated in the event in the Annual Walkthon. In spite of heavy rain, the participants came to the tri-sate event comprising of New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Massachusetts, to pledge and support the noble cause. This year, to beat the rain, the annual walkathon event was organized as an indoor fun activity at the Marlboro Richer Elementary School.

The highlight of the day was the inspiration and enthusiasm shown by children ages 6 to 13 in collecting donations for the education of poor children in India. The children participated in an interesting program called Dollar-A-Square. Fifteen children collected more than One thousand Five hundred dollars for the cause. “Each child got a pledge sheet with 100 squares on it. They fill one square for every dollar they raise,” stated Madhavi Oliver, NSF coordinator for Massachusetts. “The response from young children is phenomenal and heartening. Children collected money from friends, family and neighbors.”

One child decided to forgo her birthday gifts to help poor children in India. “At first, I didn't like the idea. However, I decided to try it. My father and I made invitations on the computer. We wrote on the invitations that my friends should not bring presents, instead they could donate money to NSF. I explained to my friends in my class what I was doing. Everyone who came to my party donated money. Even though some of my friends could not come to my party, they still gave me the donations. One of my friends' Mom even gave me a present along with the donation and said it was for doing such a good work. All the parents said I was doing a good thing. Right then I felt very happy,” said Sowmya Kuruganti, age 9, from Cranston, RI.

Overall the event was a big success. NSF raised six thousand and seven hundred dollars which equals thirty three scholarships for needy children in India to go to college. NSF coordinated carnival games, contests, and a talent show for the kids. Many local restaurants donated a delicious Indian lunch for the participants. “NSF does a fabulous job. Their spelling bee contests are helping our kids excel. In addition their charity work in India is commendable,” said Pradeep Sharma, President of India Society of Worcester. “I am also grateful to them for encouraging our children to learn about giving.”

Volunteers solely operate NSF activities. No one in the entire chain gets any compensation for his or her services. They allocate the donations for the intended purposes and programs as per the donor's desire. While organizing events, they also strive to get discounts or sponsorships for products and services. These measures allow them to keep the overhead to a minimum and use more funds to help the needy.

About North South Foundation
North South Foundation (NSF) was founded in 1989 as a non-profit, tax-exempt and voluntary organization that awards scholarships to exceptionally qualified but needy students in India entering colleges regardless of religion, gender, caste, creed or geographic origin. To date, the Foundation has awarded 1,800 scholarships for students in India. In addition, the Foundation organizes spelling bee and vocabulary contests for children of Indian origin living in USA.

Web site: www.northsouth.org

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