Small charity has a huge impact
Farmhouse
In 2006, Dr. Rodricks customized his farmhouse in Neral to be completely disable-friendly, wherein since 2006, we have been regularly organizing outings and picnics for underprivileged children and people with special needs. The farm house is installed with various appliances and machinery, including rams, lift swings, convenient accessories in toilet, and so on, making the entire house and outside vicinity fully accessible by a wheelchair. Outings are conducted every month, and at a time, nearly 40–50 people/students from an institution are taken by a bus. In this 1-day activity, lots of sports, such as cricket and volleyball, and entertainment activities, such as singing, dancing, painting, and short-skit plays are arranged. Everyone gets a breakfast and meal from the foundation, and at the end of the day, a small thoughtful present is gifted to everyone as a souvenir of a joyous occasion. These presents are not all the same and are based on one’s likes and hobbies, e.g., providing a sketchbook and color pencils to those who just love painting.
Children on a farmhouse outing are usually the ones suffering from mental conditions and diseases, such as cancer; those with parents working as social workers, such as gutter cleaners, and in red-light areas; children living in slums; and underprivileged children.
RKB Shikshan Sanstha
Since 2012, Ferro Equip Foundation is associated with a tribal orphanage for deaf and mute called RKB Shiskshan Sanstha, New Panvel. At the end of every month, the orphanage provides us a list of monthly requirements, including groceries, stationaries, and clothing. We arrange and provide them with all items in the list. Additionally, a total amount of Rs. 6,000 is provided per month for ingredients, such as rice and wheat, which are often required.
Corrective Surgeries
We are associated with Narayan Health SRCC Children’s Hospital, Mumbai; it is a premium medical institution for children. As a part of this medical association, we conduct two corrective surgeries for indigent patients at the hospital every month, providing 50%, i.e., nearly Rs. 40,000, of the surgical fees to the hospital. Based on our basic inclusion criteria, doctors, in collaboration with us, recommend needy patients to our foundation. After receiving a request letter from patients, we provide them with required funds. Keeping a track of their health reports, we conduct follow-up sessions to ensure their health improvement.
In September 2019, we funded corrective surgeries for two children of 3 months and 1 year of age each.
Celebrating Festivities
Beginning in 2011, we organize Christmas parties annually for over 100 underprivileged children from nearly 3–4 orphanages. The party usually takes place in a church-hall of St. Anthony’s Church, Malad, Mumbai. Children are delighted by Santa Claus, Candy floss man, popcorn man, Christmas tree, etc. Games, such as jumping castle, magic shows, carol singing, and dancing are also organized.
Boccia
Boccia is a precision ball sport recognized at local, national, and international levels. As an international sport, this game is recognized by the Paralympic games and Special Olympics. This sport is conducted exclusively for people with special needs.
Ferro Equip Foundation has implemented this sport in two schools in Mumbai, one in Bandra and another in CBD Belapur. Trainers are appointed to teach this game to students on a weekly basis.
Training and Courses
We conduct various driving courses, workshops, and seminars for personality development; motivational and vocational training; training for caregivers; mechanical, electrical, and diagnostic training; computer literacy courses; road safety training; and accessibility audits. We assist many NGOs and special people with mobility aids, including walkers, wheelchairs, toilet seats, etc.
Trekking
As a part of our future plans, we will be conducting small trekking expeditions using amphibian chairs. We have already conducted a reiki of a small terrain in Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Mumbai, which will be our first destination to take people with special needs to experience nature.