Description

On December 1st, alongside their World AIDS Day awareness campaign, the Rotaract Club of Atria I.T. organized a heartfelt fundraising event at Cubbon Park. This initiative was dedicated to raising funds for Christmas gifts for the children of the Yuktha Charitable Trust, an orphanage that holds a special place in the club's journey. The setup was simple yet engaging, a group of Rotaractors stationed on one of Cubbon Park’s iconic benches, equipped with a few creative games using non-perishable materials like cups. Their goal? To bring joy and raise funds, starting with a humble minimum contribution of ₹30. To show their gratitude, participants were gifted round smiley badges, a small but cheerful token of appreciation. At first, the response from the park’s bustling crowd was lukewarm. The early-morning walkers were busy setting their step records, and the dog-walkers were preoccupied with their furry friends’ antics. But as the morning unfolded, curiosity took over. Slowly but surely, people began to stop, observe, and then join in. The games, though simple, proved to be a hit: Cup Stacking Challenge: Participants raced to stack and unstack cups in record time, Just a Minute Games: Quick, fun tasks that tested reflexes and brought out the competitive spirit in the crowd. The park-goers embraced the fun for different reasons. Some played for the sheer joy of it, others to entertain their kids, and a few (with added flair) to impress their partners. The children, of course, were the most enthusiastic participants, giggling as they knocked over cups and cheered each other on. What started as a quiet setup turned into a lively hub of laughter and camaraderie. The smiley badges became a visible sign of the event’s impact, pinned proudly on t-shirts, caps, and even a few backpacks. By the end of the day, the club had collected ₹2,892—far surpassing their expectations. This amount, though a drop in the ocean of Christmas joy they aim to bring to the kids at Yuktha Charitable Trust, was a testament to the generosity and spirit of Bangaloreans. The event not only raised funds but also created lasting memories for the Rotaractors and participants alike. It was a day of smiles, meaningful connections, and a reminder of how small acts of kindness can ripple into something much greater.