tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85140655338813791822024-02-20T15:50:48.212-08:00Whispering HopeFlora Lazarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00129197214585963288noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8514065533881379182.post-31843890435639280172011-01-20T01:37:00.000-08:002011-01-20T01:40:42.178-08:00We have moved on...Our activities are now recorded on <a href="http://www.floraswhisperinghope.blogspot.com/">www.floraswhisperinghope.blogspot.com</a> - we trust you will find this as interesting as this. God bless you!Flora Lazarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00129197214585963288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8514065533881379182.post-71353335061936761302010-01-26T21:58:00.000-08:002010-01-26T22:00:10.742-08:00Christmas 2009Dear Friends - Please see my new blog for the Christmas 2009 Update. The address is:<br /><a href="http://www.floraswhisperinghope.blogspot.com/">www.floraswhisperinghope.blogspot.com</a><br />Thank you very much for your continued support and encouragement. God bless you.Flora Lazarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00129197214585963288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8514065533881379182.post-17892977999794436122009-08-28T01:15:00.000-07:002009-10-27T22:38:58.692-07:00We've been as busy as a bee!!A big Thank You to the Whispering Hope Angels - Anil Rao from Sharjah, Alun Long from England, Pam Hendricks, Sharon and Troy Gomes from Australia, Chitra Satish and Monica Charles, from Chennai – for their delightful contributions which helped the poor and the needy in different ways – from medicines to baby food and staple rations, a little help with the overdue house rent, pocket money for young girls and boys, new clothes for some and chocolates galore for the various children we come across from time to time. In addition to this, Sushmita and Kaavya were gifted a bicycle. Needless to say, this had the two sisters overwhelmed with joy.<br /><br />Thanks to Lochlan Fernandez from Australia, Sagar (aged 7) and Samir (aged 4) were given a grand birthday party. The two little chaps and their friends had a great time tucking into the yummy cake and delightful snacks. The highlights of the day were the goody bags and the photograph session.<br /><br />Our angels from Bangalore – Kumar, Mahalakshmi, and Tripta – contributed generously and St. Mark’s Matriculation School in Chennai, now have a new Slide and SeeSaw for their kindergarten children. Happiness, delight, joy, enthusiasm and yes, a lot of noisy chatter, was the order of the day when these playthings were inaugurated at the end of July. Story books are being collected for the library that is soon to be put up in the same school.<br /><br />The 6th of September 2009 will see 45 children from an orphanage in Chennai being treated to a party which we intend hosting at a charming little park. Whispering Hope’s new angels from England, little Miss Trishna Mathew gave up her pocket money to buy each of the 15 girls from this orphanage a new dress, while Roshen Pillai from Puerto Rico and her brother Kiran from Chennai are sponsoring the delectable snacks – creamy cakes, ice cream, etc!!<br /><br />Whispering Hope has now started making headway with its long term plans. Pensions were enhanced and a few more ladies were added to the list since April 2009. Candle making sessions have also started and we should have a good number ready by the year end. If all goes well, through the selling of these candles, the unemployed can earn a little money from time to time.<br /><br />With Diwali and Christmas coming closer, Whispering Hope is busy making plans for the festival season. Let’s all get together and give the underprivileged something to remember. Do pass the word around – just note that we need a lot of stuff for kids and the oldies!!Flora Lazarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00129197214585963288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8514065533881379182.post-49305172915480182402009-03-04T01:14:00.000-08:002009-03-04T01:16:44.474-08:00Whispering Hope Marches OnAfter a hectic Christmas season, Whispering Hope went ahead with its long term plans and set the ball rolling by enhancing the pension scheme by one hundred rupees to the present beneficiaries. A few new members are to be enrolled from April 2009 and we wish to bring a little happiness to these chosen women.<br /><br />Our Angels from Bangalore, Tripta and Manoj Barai, stepped in to help an unwed mother support her baby daughter. The father of the baby was very keen to ‘sell’ this child and Whispering Hope rushed to its rescue. With the extra cash coming in, mother and child are doing fine; the father is beginning to show some love towards this tiny mite. To protect the identities, we are not putting up the baby’s photo just yet.<br /><br />Further plans are being made to open a weekend holiday home for children to get away from it all. If all goes well, Whispering Hope may take this one step further and open a home away from home for senior citizens. Your prayers and wishes are solicited for these plans. Thank you very much.Flora Lazarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00129197214585963288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8514065533881379182.post-30141482819071354232009-01-12T02:27:00.000-08:002009-01-12T02:33:13.657-08:00Christmas Bonanza - December 2008<em>‘Whispering Hope’</em> kept the spirit of loving and giving alive, all through the Christmas Season, by reaching out to a wide spectrum of children. As promised, the show started on 20th December at St. Mark’s Matriculation School, Perambur, Chennai. During the School’s annual concert, exciting prizes were distributed to the children who ranked 1 to 10 in class. The excitement and joy that filled these children knew no bounds and because of this, the other children were determined to do better in their studies. The parents who attended the concert were extremely happy that their children were felicitated in such a grand manner. We could not forget the hard work put in by the teachers all the year through and colourful saris were distributed to them as a token of our appreciation. There was also a gift for each of the support staff for the hard work that they do for the school, ensuring that the children are kept in a clean environment. <br /><br />Bright and sunny was the 21st December, when <em>Whispering Hope</em> hit the road with children all set for a trip to the beach. The children hail from a Choolai slum, (Natesan Nagar), in Chennai. They came to my home where delicious chocolates – Cadbury Roses, all the way from England(!) were distributed to them. With a girly Santa Claus, a Mother Mary and Child Jesus, the group set off in a little truck. The children were deliriously happy and kept wishing everyone on the road a ‘Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year’! We wound up at the Besant Nagar beach where mouth watering ‘aloo paratas’ and ‘kachoris’ were munched on. What’s a beach party without the icecream? And, icecream it was, for all the 20 kiddos and volunteers! After the snacks, there was a round of presents and then the children headed off to splash around in the sea. A most pleasurable day was had by one and all.<br /><br /><em>Whispering Hope</em> also gave a helping hand to Rev. Fr Jayaraj who runs an orphanage in Malligaipuram near Kanchi. A donation was made towards the Christmas lunch and around 70 little goody bags given for the children. A few goody bags were also distributed to the children at the SALT Children’s Home in Tindivanam, near Pondicherry, and to little ones I met while driving along the village roads in the Thanjavur district.<br /><br /><em>Whispering Hope</em> was also instrumental in distributing children’s clothes given by the sponsors to those in need. 2 Pressure cookers, a few saris and toys were also given to the needy. A little something to light up their miserable lives especially during the Christmas season – a time for loving and giving.<br /><br /><em>Whispering Hope</em> remembered the pain and suffering that the terminally ill patients have with their battle against cancer and a hamper of toiletries, milk, dettol, etc. was presented to the Jeevodaya Cancer Hospice at Mathur, Chennai, on the 24th December. Delicious Gulab Jamuns were also given for the nursing staff and the patients to ensure that a ‘sweet’ Christmas was had by one and all. A further monetary contribution towards a day’s meal is soon to be made once the details are confirmed.<br /><br /><em>Whispering Hope</em> also remembered the poor families taken care of by the Vincent de Paul Society of St. Joseph’s Church, Vepery, Chennai, and a sumptuous breakfast is to be given to these destitutes on the 18th January 2009.<br /><br /><em>Whispering Hope</em> also enhanced the pension scheme and the beneficiaries are extremely happy with this small gesture from us. <br /><br />Photographs are being uploaded - refer Photo Bucket/album named December 2008.Flora Lazarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00129197214585963288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8514065533881379182.post-86162771591954895912009-01-12T02:22:00.000-08:002009-01-13T02:15:17.752-08:00A big THANK YOU to the sponsors and volunteers<em>Whispering Hope</em> would like to thank the sponsors who came forward to donate generously making our various Christmas programs a huge success. Without our many sponsors, we would not have been able to reach out to the various under privileged children and adults that we came across.<br /><br />Special thanks go out to PR Balasubramaniam and another angel from Mumbai, V. Kumar from Bangalore, Biju & Sudha Damodaran and Pearl Nagaraj from Muscat, and Helen Bakes from Sydney who were instrumental in making the ‘Christmas Bonanza’ come true.<br /><br />My good friends from Chennai : Mrs. Hermie Vanspall, Ordetta Mendoza, Jenny White (a big ‘thank you’ Jenny, for helping out with the pensions), and Monica Charles: Catherine Mendonza from Sydney, and Gertie Cobb from Melbourne, my aunts Philomena and Florence from the UK, Alun Long from the UK, and Bridgette White from Bangalore were kind enough to pitch in and help in the giving process.<br /><br />Yvonne Ryan and her friend Barbara from the UK, Zafer Atici from Thailand, Juan Fradera and Prashant Mullasery from Singapore provided the lovely clothes, gifts and chocolates which were distributed fairly and squarely among the babies and children that we came across this festive season.<br /><br />We would like to thank Mr. Yeshwanth Giri, Mr. Sivam, Mr. Umapathy, Mrs. Regina Raja, Mrs Lucia and her daughter Stella, Miss Judith, Mrs Sita, and Miss Rajkumari for the volunteer support rendered to make the Christmas Bonanza a huge success.<br /><br />Thanks a million for all the help and we look forward to your continued support.Flora Lazarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00129197214585963288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8514065533881379182.post-24703412338357996722009-01-12T02:18:00.000-08:002009-01-12T02:22:16.369-08:00First Anniversary of Whispering Hope<em>Whispering Hope</em> celebrated its 1st Anniversary on 8th December 2008. As a token of appreciation, and in return for all the help rendered thru the past, attractive custom made cotton Tshirts were distributed to the long term sponsors, volunteers and well wishers during the festive season. We pray that our efforts to spread God’s love and cheer among the down trodden will continue with renewed vigour during the coming year and add more meaning to our existence here on this planet. God bless each of you in a very special manner this year. Thank you very much for your generosity and continued support.Flora Lazarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00129197214585963288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8514065533881379182.post-68757557413778811872008-11-16T20:19:00.000-08:002008-11-16T20:21:26.577-08:00Christmas Plans - Dec 2008Once again, it’s that time of the year when Whispering Hope* spreads the wonder of loving and giving to the less fortunate souls we come across from time to time. Plans are being made to ensure that the Christmas season will bring in a lot of cheer and happiness to these chosen ones.<br /><br />We kickstart the program at St. Mark’s Matriculation School in Perambur, Chennai, on the 22nd December. We wish to felicitate the top rankers from Standards 1 to 10 with exciting gifts to encourage them in their studies and motivate the less enthusiastic kids to strive a little harder to gain momentum in the application of their learning skills. We would also like to appreciate the dedication and hard work put in by the teachers by giving them a little token of our appreciation. A special gesture will be made to the support staff who ensure that the environs of the school are kept clean and hygienic to safeguard the children.<br /><br />Apart from this, goody bags are being prepared for children from the slums and the streets. There will definitely be something thrown in for the senior citizens too.Flora Lazarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00129197214585963288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8514065533881379182.post-19263799314935512932008-09-05T03:01:00.000-07:002008-09-05T03:23:24.308-07:00A touch of 'Independence'To celebrate the true spirit of being 'Independent', Whispering Hope organised a day out for the little children from the Anamal Orphanage, Chennai, on 16th August. This orphanage is run by Gunaseelan and his charming wife; they have about 36 children living under their roof. When I met Gunaseelan on New Year's Day to give him a food hamper, I was impressed with the way he brought up these children. On enquiring what he would like me to do for them, he asked me to organise a day's outing for them. In an unimitable Whispering Hope style, sponsors were found and we had the show on the road on the 16th of August, a day after India's Independence Day. Ruby & Kevin Joshua contributed towards the lunch - it was their Silver Wedding Anniversary on 16th July; an angel from Switzerland contributed towards the transport, the mouth watering snacks and the presents. And with the help of my three volunteers, Judy, Jessie and Fenny, we spent an eventful day out of Chennai. We visited the Infant Jesus Shrine at Manali New town and the little ones sought the blessings of the blessed Infant. From there, we moved onto the St. Jude's shrine at Kattur. Rev. Fr. Jacob, the parish priest very graciously allowed us to use the church premises for our picnic. It was heartening to see the little children running free, unshackled from their daily routine of school and home, participating whole heartedly in the games and enjoying the sumptious biryani and snacks. The smile widened when they found out that there were presents too! In the end, every child was given a gift and their happiness was ours too! A big thank you to the sponsors and the volunteers for making this an eventful day! Please see the photos of our day out in the attached album - Photo Bucket.Flora Lazarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00129197214585963288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8514065533881379182.post-72993717879199529482008-07-29T01:09:00.000-07:002008-07-29T01:13:50.787-07:00Whispering Hope keeps the Spirit of Giving aliveA big Thank You to Ms. Elise Rasmussen, from the UK, who so thoughtfully provided Whispering Hope with gifts for the many children we come across from time to time. The colourful strings with delightful Cross pendants made lovely gifts for the children especially on Good Friday. The toy eggs, with growing pets – chickens, crocodile, dinosaurs and snakes, proved to be an instant hit with the kids. Thank you, Elise, very much and we look forward to receiving more of these little gifts that only your charming self can find and give!<br /><br /><em>The Nagle Health Centre, Colachel, Kanyakumari District, Tamilnadu, celebrated the Silver Jubilee of their Rehabilitation Centre for Alcoholics in a grand manner. To help this very deserving and noble cause, a donation of Rs.3000/- was presented to them.<br /></em><br />Whispering Hope helped Mrs. Thirupatiamma of Chennai, in purchasing a second hand sewing machine. The lady, who is a good tailor, can now earn a decent livelihood and contribute to the family income. <br /><br /><em>In the month of May, a month dedicated to Mother Mary, Whispering Hope provided a 14 seater van to Mrs. Margaret Paulraj and her whole family from Chennai, to visit the famous Velankanni Shrine at Nagapatinam, Tamilnadu. Special thanks go out to the donor from Switzerland, who wishes to remain anonymous, and Biju Damodaran from Muscat who sponsored the van. Some of the photos are displayed in the album.<br /></em><br />When the schools reopened in June, Whispering Hope was as busy as a bee raising funds to help pay the fees for children who hail from poor families. Biju Damodaran from Muscat, Tripta and Manoj Barai from Bangalore, Senior Mr. Barai from Chennai, and a couple of our favourite sponsors who wish to remain anonymous, stepped in to help educate these children. Over the years, the children of Don Bosco School, Vepery, and St. Mark’s Matriculation School, Perambur, (both schools in Chennai) have benefitted from this effort of ours. Whispering Hope wishes to mention here that all school fees are paid directly to the Headmaster of the institutions and no cash is given to the parents or the children.Flora Lazarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00129197214585963288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8514065533881379182.post-53464404344109574392008-02-07T21:53:00.000-08:002008-02-07T22:02:16.513-08:00Thinking TimeAs we go down Life's path, we come across an avalanche of sayings, some true and some not so true. Whispering Hope came across the following words and requests you to give it a little thought. Time is so precious, let's not waste it any more.<br /><br /><em>First I was dying to finish my high school and start college<br />And then I was dying to finish college and start working<br />Then I was dying to marry and have children. </em><br /><em>And then I was dying for my children to grow old enough so I could go back to work. </em><br /><em>But then I was dying to retire. And now Im dying..</em><br /><em>And suddenly I realized I forgot to live.<br /><br /><strong>Pls don’t let this happen to you. Appreciate your current situation and enjoy each day. - Old friend.</strong></em><br /><br />I knelt to pray but not for long, I had too much to do. I had to hurry and get to work, for bills would soon be due. So I knelt and said a hurried prayer, and jumped up off my knees. My Christian duty was now done, my soul could rest at ease.....All day long I had no time, to spread a word of cheer, no time to speak of Christ to friends, they'd laugh at me I'd fear. No time, no time, too much to do, That was my constant cry, no time to give to souls in need, but at last the time, the time to die. I went before the Lord, I came, I stood with downcast eyes. For in his hands God held a book; It was the book of life. <strong><em>God looked into his book and said "Your name I cannot find. I once was going to write it down... But never found the time"</em></strong>Flora Lazarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00129197214585963288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8514065533881379182.post-77351128246426790442008-02-07T21:49:00.000-08:002008-02-07T21:52:10.115-08:00Behind the scenes in Fabulous FebruaryAfter a fulfilling December, Whispering Hope took it easy in January and made plans for the months ahead. <br /><br />Fab Feb saw a little girl in Goa with stars in her eyes when she was told that one of her dreams was to come true – little Raveena is to be presented with a bicycle and if all goes well it will be in her favourite colour <span style="color:#ff99ff;">PINK</span>! <br /><br />An Angel who wishes to remain anonymous presented Ms. Francis with a computer to enable her work from home and earn extra money. A start in the right direction!Flora Lazarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00129197214585963288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8514065533881379182.post-88699446409768052712008-01-08T22:11:00.000-08:002008-01-24T22:48:54.219-08:00New Year BountyIt was an ‘Open House’ on the 30th December 2007 when the distribution of the New Year hampers to the chosen families took place. A bounty of food stuff (rice, lentils, sugar, oil, semolina, wheat flour, instant noodles, tomato ketchup, jam, mango juice and biscuits) was packed in a colourful bucket and handed over to the families who were invited to my home. (You might be wondering… ‘…why the bucket?...’ You see, Chennai invariably has a water problem during the summer months and hence the idea of the bucket popped up to enable these people store this precious liquid!). It was a hectic afternoon with the families strolling in and out of my home between 11am to 2pm. New clothes were distributed to the ladies and children and after a satisfying meal, the families left with smiles on their faces. Photographs were taken and will be put up shortly – please excuse the delay. There was one unclaimed hamper and on New Year’s Day, 1 Jan 2008, this was handed over to an orphanage along with 5 kilos of sugar supplied by Anita and Kevin Mawdsley of Chennai.<br /><br />Whispering Hope would like to thank Pamela Hendricks, her family and friends from Perth, Sharon Gomes and Rebecca Dickson from Melbourne, Alun Long from the UK, P R Balasubramaniam from Mumbai, Alethea Brett and V. Kumar from Bangalore for their spontaneous generosity that made the distribution of new clothes and hampers to the less fortunate possible. We also appreciate the untiring efforts of Lucia in helping with the purchase and sorting of the hampers.Flora Lazarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00129197214585963288noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8514065533881379182.post-83508913360701499862008-01-08T20:38:00.000-08:002008-01-08T22:11:09.323-08:00Christmas Treat - 22 Dec 2007As planned, the picnic on the beach for the children was held on the 22nd December 2007. The kiddos were so excited that they landed up at my place at 5.30pm instead of 7.30pm at the scheduled venue!! Each of these little mites were so thrilled at the prospect of going to the seashore that they put on their Sunday best and kept chattering and singing all the way to the beach. After a sumptuous snack of hot samosas and fruit cake, a few games were conducted by the volunteers, Shankar and Gladwin. It was then time for a quick dip in the Bay of Bengal(!), which turned out to be the ultimate in excitement for them!! A round of delectable chappatis and potato masala was followed by the grand finale - the distribution of goody bags, Tshirts and caps to each child. Amidst the happy chatter, fond goodbyes were said, and screams of ‘Merry Christmas’ filled the moonlit night at the Madras Marina.<br /><br />Whispering Hope would like to thank the sponsors, Manoj and Tripta Barai from Bangalore, for their generosity in making this possible and brightening up the lives of the little ones. We also would like to thank Jude Jayasingh for the delicious cake, Volunteers Mary, Pauline, Lucia, Shankar and Gladwin for helping with the children and the distribution of the snacks.Flora Lazarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00129197214585963288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8514065533881379182.post-48175478197948730792007-12-20T02:35:00.000-08:002008-02-24T22:29:43.086-08:00What we did….<p><strong><em>Whispering Hope</em></strong> has pleasure in providing you with a brief on what was achieved in the past few years. Our ‘little ways’ were instrumental in reaching out and offering comfort and solace to those who were in need at that moment.<br /><br /><strong><em>For the increase in Faith</em></strong><br />Pilgrimages to various shrines in Tamilnadu were conducted on a regular basis. Special attention was given to senior citizens and family groups to ensure that they were comfortable and their lives enriched by visits to these holy places.<br /><br /><strong><em>For the Children</em></strong><br />Since 2002, we have been instrumental in helping children with school fees, books, stationery, uniforms, shoes, etc.<br /><em>A special treat was given to 45 street children and Thomas, a physically challenged young man, who took it upon himself to give free tuition to these children. He used to teach these youngsters under a street light. We organized a high tea and then distributed a school bag filled with goodies for each child. A little cash gift for Thomas for his marvelous contribution to society and the dedication displayed.<br /></em>Periodic visits were undertaken to the Love Care Centre - an orphanage, and Arunima – a home for prisoners’ children, where we spent time with the children, giving them a good meal and little treats to brighten up their day.<br /><em>Picnics and movies, ice cream and balloons, fire crackers and fun games were given in large doses to the many children that we came across from time to time.<br /></em><br /><em><strong>For the Women<br /></strong></em>Saris were presented to the village women at St. Jude’s Shrine, Kattur. (While this program was being conducted, the devastating and disastrous Tsunami hit the shores of Chennai and elsewhere in December 2004).<br /><em>50 pairs of footwear were provided to women and their children.<br /></em>Pension is being distributed to three ladies – we hope to increase the number of women and the amount in the coming months.<br /><br /><strong><em>For the Tsunami relief work<br /></em></strong>Conveyance was provided for the tsunami relief work undertaken by St. Joseph’s Church, Vepery, Chennai.<br /><em>Financial aid received from Ranji, UK, was given to the Nagle Health Centre at Colachel, Kanyakumari.<br /></em><br /><em><strong>Medical Aid<br /></strong></em>Financial assistance was given to the distraught when their loved ones were in hospital or in need of medicines. </p>Flora Lazarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00129197214585963288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8514065533881379182.post-72688767223997399022007-12-14T02:23:00.000-08:002007-12-14T02:27:20.845-08:00What they said....<em><strong>Whispering Hope</strong></em> has pleasure in sharing some of the ‘thank you’ messages received from the Heads of institutions and beneficiaries. These are quotes taken from their letters which are on file. Appreciation notes from some of the sponsors are also given.<br /><br /><strong>Mr. Antony Cruz, Headmaster, Don Bosco High School, Chennai 600 007</strong><br /><em>“This note comes to express our gratitude for the troubles you have taken to mobilize funds to provide fees and uniform for the very poor children… I am sure your friends who have helped you in this project would be happy to see how the funds have been utilized….”<br /></em><br /><strong>Mrs. Sophia Chelladurai, Managing Trustee, Love Care Centre, Chennai 600098</strong><br /><em>“…Ms Flora and her friends come all the way from Kellys with cool drinks, puffs, hand towels, and gifts for the children. The children enjoy this all season Santa Claus who distributes balloons and sweets in the evenings.”<br /></em><br /><em>“Kindly accept our grateful thanks for your spontaneous gift of rice provided. When one of the regular channels unexpectedly dried up, we were really upset and disturbed for there was no other source to feed the children. However, God has been merciful to our needs and your contribution came as a blessing indeed…..”<br /></em><br /><strong>Rev. Sr. Balred, Executive Director, Jeevodaya Hospice for Cancer Patients, Chennai 600 068</strong><br /><em>“…We are very much happy to see your concern towards us…..Appreciating your noble care and concern towards our service to advanced cancer patients…..”<br /></em><br /><strong>Rev. Fr. P A Jacob, Parish Priest, St. Jude’s Shrine, Kattur, Chennai 601 203<br /></strong><em>“At the outset, let me thank you very much for the hundred saris and for the refreshment you gave to the poor people at Thiruvallavayal shrine. The poor people, who received them, are very happy and praying for your intentions. May God bless all your works and also all the people associated with your work…..”<br /></em><br /><strong>Biju Damodaran, Muscat</strong> (sponsor)<br /><em>“Its really nice to see the children dancing and enjoying the event. I know they would have wished that life continued for them throughout in this way. Without your initiative this could not have happened. Hats off to you, Flora…..”<br /></em><br /><strong>Manoj Barai, Bangalore</strong> (sponsor)<br /><em>“I am so glad the entire function went off as well as had been originally planned. People like us were only instrumental in sending the money and nothing more. The success of the program is entirely due to your commitment and organizational capacity. Once again all I can say is that you are doing a fantastic job for the deserving souls and also thanks for showing us how to put atleast some of our money to good use……”<br /></em><br /><strong>Yeshwanth Giri, Chennai</strong> (volunteer)<br />“I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks for yet another opportunity given to me to spend some good time with the under privileged children…. The best part of the time we spent there was when we saw the bright smiles on their faces when Ms Flora gave away some t-shirts and caps to them. They were so excited and their happiness saw no bounds. They were all thrilled and immediately wore their caps on….”Flora Lazarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00129197214585963288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8514065533881379182.post-34020178932677601762007-12-08T00:21:00.000-08:002007-12-09T19:44:30.715-08:00Christmas 2007With Christmas around the corner, the stocking is getting filled with a lot of treats for the poor and down trodden. To kick start the show, Whispering Hope distributed saris to a selected group of women in Chennai. Exciting food hampers are also being organised for families from the lower middle class. Whispering Hope would like to thank Pamela Hendricks, her family and friends from Perth, V Kumar from Bangalore and P R Balasubramaniam from Mumbai, for their generous contributions towards these gifts.<br /><br />Whats Christmas without something for the little ones?! Tripta and Manoj Barai from Bangalore step in with their generosity and a picnic on the beach with goody bags for the little ones is on the cards. Photos will be posted after the event.Flora Lazarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00129197214585963288noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8514065533881379182.post-30871220669874681132007-12-08T00:15:00.000-08:002007-12-09T19:48:14.848-08:00My StoryIn August 2002, ten less privileged people were taken by me on a pilgrimage to Mother Mary’s shrines at Velankanni and Poondi, located in Tamil Nadu, India. This prompted the ‘goodness of giving’ to blossom in my heart. <br /><br />I was then working for the Royal Sundaram Alliance Insurance Company (a joint venture between Royal & Sun Alliance UK and Sundaram Finance, India) in Chennai, India. With the help of my friends and colleagues, I was able to organize many more visits to places of worship, orphanages, homes for the elderly, a cancer hospice, offering whatever we could, to bring a little smile and lots of happiness to the less privileged members of our society. Since most of the contributions came from my colleagues, I used to affectionately term these sprees as ‘Royal Goodness’.<br /><br />'Royal Goodness' was also instrumental in educating a number of children in the years gone by. Entertaining children was given top priority and this involved trips to the seashore, picnics, movies, ice cream treats, presents, et al.<br /><br />As the months passed by, these little acts of kindness have reached out to many individuals and families. Having moved on from Royal Sundaram to greener pastures, it was time to rename this small venture of mine so that it can get the recognition it richly deserves. And now you have it…….<em>Whispering Hope</em>…..at its best!<br /><br />A very big THANK U to my family and friends who have helped and encouraged me all along the way in more ways than one.<br /><br /><br />Flora Anne Lazar<br />(Contact Nos. +91 98 404 32556 / +91 98 661 70313)Flora Lazarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00129197214585963288noreply@blogger.com0