Putting the fun in fundraiser

A ‘Charity Masala Night’ recently organised by the Sri Om Foundation at the newly opened Taj Indian Masala restaurant in Homebush proved to be a roaring success. Over 150 eager supporters thronged the venue to do their bit for charity and enjoy a fun-filled evening with lots of music, dances, poetry and a three course meal.

Jay Raman, the vice president of the Foundation explained that the annual event was planned to offer the community and specially invited guests an insight into Sri Om’s current and upcoming activities, programs and services.

The evening was hosted by Ramesh Sharma of the Taj Group, with Vidya Raghavan, (Peoples Relations Manager) and Srini Vasudevan (Training Manager) welcoming the guests and recounting the history of Sri Om Care and its achievements over the years.

A presentation by Dr Sadhana Desai, Director of Planning and Development, bought attendees up to date with the Foundation’s many activities for seniors. She acknowledged the fact that the resources at their disposal were limited, and yet Sri Om was striving to deliver the best services to their elderly. She passionately urged the community to come forward and lend a hand, and was instantly gratified as many amongst the audience vouched to volunteer in delivering Sri Om Care services.

Next on the agenda was Nitya Raghavan and Anish, who enthralled the audience with their rendition of songs while Ramesh Sharma organised the ghazal performance. There were auctions and raffles which were well supported by the attendees. Sri Om Care Foundation’s youth team also contributed a well-received performance of Bollywood songs.

Sri Om Foundation is a registered not-forprofit charity organisation founded in 2006 with the aim of providing quality aged care services to the growing number of elderly from South Asian backgrounds. The charity currently runs day-care centres for seniors every week on specific days at locations in Lidcombe, Chester Hill, Riverstone and Seven Hills, among others. Plans are in the pipeline to extend these services to Hornsby and Ashfield as well. Attendance is free for seniors and morning tea and lunch is provided free of charge. A limited free pick up service can also be arranged. The centres provide a host of activities and benefits for the seniors including light exercise, social interaction, story-telling, lectures, indoor and outdoor games and excursions.

Responding to a huge demand in the market, a recent initiative of Sri Om Care is the home visit program for seniors. Jay Raman elucidated the need for such a service amongst the South Asian community saying, “This service helps to take care of the elderly in time of sickness. It is also aimed at providing respite to families by taking care of the sick temporarily, providing social support, taking the elderly to their medical appointments, help with personal care, feeding, medication, domestic assistance and nursing care.”

Jay also emphasized that there are low