Sale of lassi helps save tiny lives

How good would you feel by knowing that buying a lassi or jhal muri (bhel puri) could help save tiny lives halfway around the world? That’s exactly the opportunity non-profit charity organisation Probasy provided to hundreds at a fair held on February 19. Volunteers of Probasy hosted a stall for the eleventh consecutive year at the Ashfield Park Bangladeshi Boi Mela organised by the Bangla Boi Mela academy.

Probasy is a run by a group of young girls who aim to provide support and empowerment to the disadvantaged in Bangladesh, with special emphasis on their health and wellbeing. Probasy works with Prothom Alo newspaper to raise much-needed funds to support impoverished men, women and children, especially acid victims, through rehabilitation and reintegration into the social sphere, post acid-related violence and discrimination.

To this end, Probasy hosts stalls at fairs as well as organises fundraising events throughout the year, to raise much needed revenue for their projects and causes. At the Bangladeshi Boi

Mela they sold mango lassi, jhal muri, samosas and chocolates, raising almost $600. The food was all prepared by them for this event, but in the past they have been helped by the kindness of their mothers and aunties who donate or assist them in preparing these delicacies.

Probasy also showcased their artworks on canvas and photography donated by Manu Tejomurtala which were on sale, with proceeds going to fund their latest project: Project Incubate. When Probasy members heard that 24 babies died on a single winter’s night at the Dhaka Medical College Hospital due to malfunctioning incubators, they resolved to raise funds to purchase incubators which will be made available for use free to the public, and assist in the improvement of neonatal care in Bangladesh.

Probasy realises it is not possible to expect sustainable self-reliance without meeting the emotional and physical needs of those we assist. As a result, the group supports various other causes which ensure the continuous improvement of the community, both physically and mentally. Working with medical practitioners and supporting their causes is just one example of such programmes. Probasy is working to create a thriving society free of exploitation, discrimination and gender based violence that prevents the disadvantaged from achieving their full potential.

In 2011, Probasy raised $5,000 for 20 fistula operations in Bangladesh for impoverished women, thanks to the efforts of Dr Hasan and his team who conducted these operations at no cost to the patient. Closer to home, Probasy also raised $10,000 for the Queensland flood appeal which was donated to help flood affected Queenslanders rebuild their homes and lives.

Probasy is currently in its eleventh year of operations, with a total collection of $43,840 (TK. 33,000,000) to date. It has had a successful run of campaigns and projects with consistent energetic efforts from its members and support from the community.

Probasy’s main project for 2012, Project Incubate, will raise $6,000 to purchase two incubators and related equipment to donate to a hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Towards this goal, Probasy has several exciting fundraising events planned for 2012 including a Mother’s Day film screening event, a walkathon, a Cancer Council breakfast and a Probasy re-launch party where they will showcase their progress and efforts in their eleven year tenure and what they have planned for the future. This exciting night will include dinner, dance performances and speeches from supporters.

Probasy’s next fundraising event will be at the Loko Mela organised by the Bangladeshi Welfare Association in Campbelltown. Probasy will be hosting a stall selling food, as well as their artwork and doing mehendi at the Mela on Saturday March 24 at Seddon Park in Glenfield. You are welcome to come along and show your support. We would welcome assistance in the forms of donation of food or sponsorships from individuals or restaurants.

Please contact Probasy via email probashi_incorporated@gmail. com for more information on their events and projects, or to find out how to join the mailing list, or make a donation.