Fr. Joe host annual children party at Kripa Vasai

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fr. Joe emphasizes on importance of sports at Kripa’s annual party for special kids

 

Over 650 specially gifted children and physically challenged persons attended the annual children party hosted  by Kripa Foundation at it’s Vasai centre near Mumbai. Held under the theme ‘Season of Spreading Love’, the event was graced by Archbishop Felix Machado, Archbishop of Vasai as the Chief Guest, Fr. Joseph H. Pereira, Founder Trustee of Kripa and Friends of Kripa from various parts of India and abroad.

In his homily to mark the celebrations, Fr. Joe highlighted the significance of sharing, amity and spreading love across communities. He noted how Jesus Christ is an epitome of love and sharing adding that His message bears more relevance now than ever before in history since modern society tends to be self-centered. and called upon all privileged members of the society to exert extra efforts towards alleviating social evils such as poverty, hunger, illiteracy and disease through combined efforts.

Fr. Joe thanked the various sponsors of the event, including The Trustees H.P.L. Charitable Trust( Mumbai), Cadbury India Ltd,, Parle Agro, TAJSATS, Yoga  group -Mount Carmel Church, Bandra, and a large number of anonymous donors who had contributed generously for the celebrations. Special guests included Mrs, Joy D'Souza, Mr & Mrs. Haroon and family (Goa), Ms. Yvonne Lawlor ( Ireland), Mr. Barry & Mrs, June O'Loughlin ( Ireland), Mrs Laura Rodrigues and Anna( Germany),who are fondly called ‘Friends of Kripa’ and have supported the organization since the last several years. The event was organized and coordinated by Bosco D’Souza, National Program Director who also compered the proceedings and organised the party, along with Mozen H, Mr Stephen D'Souza, Mr. Ignatius Buthelo, patients and staff of  Kripa Bandra and Vasai under the leadership of Fr Seraphine, Fr Cyril and Ms. Jean Pereira.

Children from Kripa Dharavi, dressed in camouflage fatigues presented a dance while kids from other participating institutions showcased their various talents such as singing. Kripa staff led by Fr. Joe also joined the fun and frolic by dancing with children with special needs and physically challenged persons. Santa Claus ( Mr Johnson D'Souza- Bandra) made a special appearance at the party to dance with kids and adults while giving away freebies to lucky ones.

 The event concluded with Fr. Joe and guests of honor giving away gift hampers containing a variety of items and each participating organization was gifted commonly used sporting goods donated by the anonymous ‘Mrs. Santa ’. and wellshers. The sporting goods were gifted keeping in line with Fr. Joe and Kripa’s principle of promoting good health through physical fitness. Fr. Joe and the Kripa Model of Recovery lay special emphasis on physical and mental wellbeing of people which is proven to prevent addiction. Kids were treated to a grand buffet that featured a variety of seasonal delicacies and desserts specially cooked by Mr.Buthelo, Thoams D'Souza, Lester Dias and Paul D'souza with the help of Kripa family Vasai.

 Fr. Joe further delighted the children by giving away gift bags containing an assortment of useful stuff and eatables, as a parting gift. Kids and adults accompanying them sought the blessings of Fr. Joe as they departed the venue. Children also posed with Fr. Joe for pictures to be retained as cherished memories of the event.

 

Submitted by

Ashwin Honawar

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