Donating to a good cause
A PORTION of the money made at the India Fair in Durban goes towards the Phoenix Child Welfare Society.
To date, the fair has donated close to R1 million towards the non-profit organisation, which helps them run programmes for the community’s needy.
Fair director, Aman Singh said the initiative started in 2007, after a friend introduced him to Sham Maharaj, who is now the president of the organisation.
“Being formerly from India, I wanted to show my appreciation to the country for the support given to our business so the idea of donating a portion of the money raised, was born,” said Singh. The fair is held in Durban twice a year.
“Stall holders import their goods from India and hire local people to help them during the fairs. Whatever we make, a percentage goes toward the Phoenix Child Welfare. Over the 10 years, we have donated close to R1m to the organisation.”
Singh said apart from shopping, Durban Hindus could also experience Ganesha Utsavi, which is celebrated in India in September.
“During the celebration devotees pay homage to the deity Ganesha for his protection and blessing. At the fair, we have an area where we place a massive, hand-crafted, imported Ganesha murthi, from India, for devotees to offer prayer.”
Singh said on September 5, as they did in India, they would embark on a procession through the streets of Durban with the murthi, before it was immersed into the sea.
Maharaj said the the donation went toward the organisation’s running and maintenance costs at its women’s shelter. “The Sahara Women’s Shelter, in Phoenix, is about 10 years old and houses about 22 families (women and children). It costs us R100 000 a month to run because we provide meals, clothing and medical care for families.”