For the past 8 years we (my husband and I) have been involved with Unique Home in India is a home for unwanted, abandoned girls – an epidemic that continues to be a huge issue in our community where boys are preferred.
We got involved following the birth of our daughter Daya nearly 9 years ago and the reaction of a very small number of people that demonstrated to me that the birth of a girl even in this century in the UK can be cause for upset.
I was angry with their reaction but wanted to channel that energy into something productive – I came across Unique Home and was so moved by their mission that we immediately started to fundraise. We then joined the board of Trustees for UK Friends of Unique Home to help support the Home in the UK by raising funds and awareness. We have hosted large dinner and dances, smaller events, social media campaigns and had the support of so many incredible people.
We stepped down last year having reached the end of the tenure, but more importantly having achieved the big goals I set us – to vastly increase income by engaging with the right people.
On April 24th we celebrate the collective birthday of all the girls at Unique Home! As the girls are often abandoned anonymously in a cradle at the from of the home, many don’t know when their actual date of birth is, so they have an annual celebration on 24th April in India. All over the world supporters come together to share in those celebrations by lighting a candle and having cake! This year we share a photo of my daughter who inspired us to take part in this incredible cause.
Although no longer actively supporting we continue to champion the empowerment of all girls at Unique Home and the wonderful Seva they are doing. It has been an incredible organisation to be a part of.