While visiting Abu Dhabi this week Indian humanitarian worker Helena Singh thanked St Andrew’s Church and the city’s community for supporting impoverished children in India.
Parishioners raised more than AED 120,000 for charity schools and orphanages run by the New Life Centre and a team of 26 volunteers went to Dehradun, India earlier this year to build new accommodation facilities and refurbish classrooms.
“I would like to thank St Andrew’s and the people of Abu Dhabi for their support,” Singh said. “I am proud of the relationship between the New Life Centre and Abu Dhabi.
“The work we are doing together is international work helping children to get an education, many of whom are underprivileged and impoverished.
“The students love their new classrooms and they are very happy to be in school now. We also received a donation of fencing for our outdoor playground so the children can play in a safe and secure environment.”
Rev Andy Thompson told Abu Dhabi Week: “The money raised came from the whole community; expats and locals alike shop in the Thrift Shop, and we also received some private donations.”
“This is a significant partnership between St Andrew’s and New Life Centre that we hope to see blossom in years to come with more service opportunities, building projects, and support,” he added.
Plans are already underway for a team of volunteers to return again next year.
“We’ve been discussing the possibility of a trip in April, where volunteers would run an activities camp; the children have never experienced anything like that.
“Alternatively, our region has been very badly affected by the recent flooding, which has damaged our properties, and we could use the help to rebuild,” Singh said.
Approximately AED 500,000 is made annually in St Andrew’s Thrift Shop through the sale of used clothing and household items and The New Life Centre is one of many projects supported by the shop. Proceeds are also used to help people in need in Abu Dhabi, Syrian refugee orphans, and charity initiatives in impoverished parts of Nepal and the Philippines.
