Used mobile phones and clothes are among the items being collected by a socio-religious group in Auckland in aid of children and poorer sections of the society.
Mata Amritanandamayi Satsang Group Inc has just launched the ‘mobile phone drive,’ which its Secretary Sangeeta Kalra said would be in aid of Starship Children’s Foundation that cares for ailing children.
The collection drive, which begins today (May 1), will conclude on May 11.
“The objective is to collect old mobile phone handsets that may find their way into landfill. Starship will have them refurbished and the proceeds would keep their National Air Ambulance Service flying. This is one of the biggest commitments of Starship and our Satsang is supporting the cause with this drive,” Mrs Kalra said.
She said that the Ambulance Service responds to life-threatening situations and emergencies throughout New Zealand.
Mobile phones for donations may be deposited at Yogiji Food Mart (26 Carr Road, Mount Roskill, Auckland), Khyber Spice Invaders (822 Manukau Road, Royal Oak) or Star of India (501B, Mt Albert, Three Kings).
Clothes Collection
Mrs Kalra said that the Satsang’s clothes collection drive will be held from May 12 to 24 and that a range of items including warm clothes, coats, jackets and blankets could be donated.
“We request people to collect these items at a coffee morning, parent and toddler group, or even at your office. These may be packed in plastic bin bags marked ‘Amma NZ’ and dropped at the same collection points as mobile phones. Collections may be brought to the Grey Lynn Community Centre (510 Richmond Road, Grey Lynn) from 630 pm to 830 pm,” she said.
Email ammasatsangnz@gmail.com
