Bantwal: It was on May 30 that Snehalaya was informed by the Parish Priest of Agrar about a dilapidated house which was occupied by three people.
A team from Snehalaya visited the house and could not stand the site of the living condition. The lady, head of the family Eliza Menezes had stage four cancer and was unclean. The alcoholic son, aged 28, was directionless, jobless and helpless. A mild MR patient, Eliza’s niece was taking care of the house. The team rescued Eliza Menezes and placed her in Ave Maria Palliative Care and after 19 days, she passed away. Her funeral rites were conducted by Snehalaya.
Her son, Prakash was taken for treatment, counselling and rehabilitation while his cousin, Margrette was taken to Snehalaya for treatment. Their house was just about ready to collapse.
On June 6, work on a new house, in collaboration with the ward members of Velankanni ward of Agrar Parish, began. Ward head Ronald D’Souza took the lead while Snehalaya’s Unit head Geo D’Silva took up the construction and completion. Within 50 days, the new house was ready for occupancy.
The newly built house was blessed by Rev Fr. Gregory D Souza, Parish Priest of Agrar. Meanwhile, the month mind mass was offered by the family and ward members in memory of Eliza Menezes.
On July 29, the new house was handed over to Prakash Menezes in a simple programme by the chief guest, Daniel Crasta, who served in the Indian Army for 20 years and is now employed with Corporation Bank.
Geo D’Silva, who compered the event, presented a brief of Snehalaya and its activities. Joseph Crasta, the founder of Snehalaya, lauded the support of the ward members. He congratulated the team for completing the construction of the house in two months at a cost of Rs. 3.64 lakhs.
Rev. Fr. Gregory D’Souza, in his message, expressed that Snehalaya is extremely rich in heart to reach out to the needy. He appreciated the dedication of team Snehalaya, unit head Geo D’Silva and ward head Ronald. He also wished Prakash a happy future and requested all ward members to take care of this child by referring to PUNYAKOTI story, a mother’s plea at her last stage of life to take care of her lone child.
Daniel Crasta, handed over the house to Prakash Menezes symbolically with an encrypted portrait “There is a reason to smile- A home by Snehalaya”. He appealed to the public to strengthen the hands of those who strive to bring happiness in the lives of the poor, Snehalaya being one among such organizations, whose work is building people and families with their support system.
On the occasion, a cheque for Rs 25,000 was handed over to a family from Modankap, Bantwal, where the head of the family suffers from brain abnormalities, the elder son is unemployed, the daughter is pursuing her education in college and on the verge of dropping out for lack of financial support, and the wife ekes out a living by rolling beedi.
All the volunteers were given a token of appreciation while special mention was made of neighbour Anil Fernandes, who provided water, and ward head Ronald for his commitment to completing the project.
Ronald proposed vote of thanks. A simple tea party was arranged and the program was concluded in 30 minutes.
Snehalaya’s Modanthyar unit head Santhosh D’Souza, parish vice president Vincent Carlo and ward members were present.
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