Caring for the vulnerable

Asha Daan

In 1976, HUL provided a 72,500-square feet plot to set up Asha Daan in the heart of Mumbai city. This home is supported by Mother Teresa & the Missonaries of Charity and cares for abandoned and challenged children, victims of HIV and the destitute. HUL bears the capital and revenue expenses for maintenance, upkeep and security of the premises. At any point of time, about 370 people comprising boys, girls, men and women live at the Home and their needs for food, clothing and medicines are catered to.

The needs of the abandoned / challenged children are met through special classes of basic skills, physiotherapy, etc. being taken care of by the Sisters of the Home. Wherever necessary, corrective surgery is also arranged for in the city hospitals. Mother Teresa's desire to open a ward for female HIV positive patients was made possible by HUL in 1995. Since its inception, the AIDS Ward has taken care of 375 patients. Till date, over 15,750 individuals have benefited from Ashadaan.

Ankur

In 1993, HUL set up Ankur, a centre for special education of challenged children at Doom Dooma. Ankur takes care of children aged between 5 & 15 years, with a range of challenges, including sight or hearing impairment, polio related disabilities, cerebral palsy and severe learning difficulties. Ankur focuses on educational, vocational and recreational activities. The children are taught skills, such as cookery, painting, embroidery, bamboo crafts, weaving, candle making, stitching, etc. depending on their aptitudes. The centre has rehabilitated 10 children, including facilitating self-employment for 6 children by providing them with shops, and 3 girls have been provided employment as crèche attendants. It has also helped 18 children in moving them to normal schools.

Since inception it has touched over 80 children. Ankur received the Lawrie Group's Worldaware Award for Social Progress in 1999 from Her Royal Highness in London.