Youth Ambassador of Akshaya Patra Surpasses Goal!
The inspiring words of Mahatma Gandhi "Be the change you wish to see in the world," has always been the motto of Shikha Pandey, diligent and ambitious Youth Ambassador for Akshay Patra. By mid-April she not only reached her goal of $1800 in donations, but surpassed that amount as well, to raise money for Akshaya Patra's school meal program in India. Shikha is sixteen years old and attends Lunenburg High School as a Sophomore. She says: "Ever since I was young, bringing a smile to someone's face and just somehow helping those in need has always been so important to me. I volunteer regularly at local soup kitchens and homeless shelters, but even then I felt that I as if I wasn't doing enough. I knew I had the potential to make a bigger difference, and I am so fortunate that Akshaya Patra provided me with that oppurtunity. I want to thank everyone who helped me reach my goal and donated to this noble cause that will help change the lives of millions of hungry children in India. Without the help of my donors, I wouldn't have been able to reach this milestone and am very fortunate for the continued support, guidance, and blessings I have received from them throughout this journey. I have learned a lot in this process, and want to continue helping those who are less fortunate than I am, around the globe." As a Bharatnatyam Dance Graduate, Shikha has often participated in charity dance events as well that raise money for organizations such as the Sankara Eye Foundation. She loves to volunteer and help people in any way that she can. She encourages other kids her age to do the same. One thing she wants everyone to know is: "Often people think, I'm just one person, what difference can one person make? But one person can make every difference necessary! You DO have the power. You CAN change a life. Don't ever underestimate yourself."
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