A Hindu organisation of volunteers recently participated in a swimming event to raise funds for the Christchurch Earthquake victims.
The younger members of the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh and Sewa International swam at the Lloyd Elsmore Swimming Pool in the East Auckland suburb of Pakuranga. Apart from 19 students from Botany, Bucklands Beach, Howick and Pakuranga schools, more than 30 volunteers aged between eight and 48 years were involved in the programme.
The youngsters surpassed the set target of 500 laps (one hour) to raise $500 and achieved 700 laps, mobilising more than $1700 for the cause.
Event organiser Vishram Wadnerkar described the feat as ‘a brilliant effort.’
“Raising funds through our own efforts, giving back to the community and the country in which we reside and motivating our volunteers to help those in need are among the founding principles of our Organisation.
“Sewa International aims to provide relief to people affected by natural and manmade calamities throughout the world,” he said.
Mr Wadnerkar said a number of highlights distinguished the charity swim.
Among them were two sets of twins – Tanmayi and Tapaswi Pagadala (8 years old) who completed 67 laps together; and Neil and Angad Vadgaonkar (14 years old) who completed 80 laps each. Twelve-year old Priyanka Mistry completed 70 laps on her own.
The Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh meets every Saturday from 430 pm to 530 pm at the Pakuranga Intermediate School on Reeves Road for youth activities.
Further information can be obtained from Vishram Wadnerkar on (09) 5333299.
