Local activist does part

Local support for a community in India has reached new levels and an upcoming fundraiser is about to increase the development efforts.

Community activist Hilary Crowley started Samuha Overseas Development Association (SODA) when she travelled to India in 1994 to train physiotherapists there and deliver therapy to polio victims, most of whom were children.

She partnered with an Indiabased organization already working on a number of relief and development projects, and she worked back home in Canada to register SODA as a charitable organization here, as well as turn the Canada-based efforts into an educational opportunity for those in therapeutic professions.

“Polio is now eradicated in the villages where we work so now we work with all people with all kinds of disability but it continues to be predominantly children with developmental disabilities,” Crowley said. “Since 2002 I have been taking Canadian physiotherapy and occupational therapy students to the project and I shall be returning in January with three more P.T. students.”

The local support for this overseas endeavour was so strong, SODA has been sending about $20,000 each year to the affected region.

“Two years ago, on top of this, we raised funds for an early intervention centre which is now up and running,” Crowley explained.

“This is a beautiful centre for children under six years of age and their families to receive therapy and counselling services.

“Last year we raised funds for a spinal cord injury centre. Again we reached our target successfully and the building is now ready to go.

“We just forwarded more money for the physiotherapy equipment, accommodation and kitchen needs. We have been assured that this centre will also be up and running by January, which we are very excited about.”

The local fundraising effort has an Indian cuisine flavour to it.

Dana Mandi restaurant is holding a charity dinner three nights in a row, Nov. 25, 26 and 27.

The money raised will go towards the ongoing running of the SODA therapy programs for 2013.

“SODA has six executive members, all located in Prince George, and all funds raised go directly to the program in India,” Crowley said. “We have no administrative overheads and when we go to India, we pay our own way.”

Ticket prices for the dinners are by donation.

To reserve your seat at Dana Mandi, call Mary Ann at 250-563-2248 or email soda.sec@gmail.com.