For an NGO, it is essential to gain extensive support to carry out its operations in order to reach out to its target audience. No matter what cause it works towards, a record of advocacy goes a long way in providing support to its beneficiaries. Hence, NGOs open doors to welcome people from all sections of society – individual donors, small to medium businesses, large enterprises and the government sector.

When an organisation gains celebrity support, it creates a remarkable impact on the minds of people who are wondering if they have to donate or people who are on the verge of donating. Applauds motivate non-profit organisations in working harder towards achieving their mission.

The Akshaya Patra Foundation is a mid-day meal NGO in India that works tirelessly towards serving school meals to children studying in Government and Government-aided schools spread across 52 locations. In the last 20 years of its service, the Foundation fed mid-day meals to 1.8 million children in 12 States and 2 Union Territories.

Words of appreciation for Akshaya Patra
Shraddha Kapoor, an Indian celebrity says, “We are all so privileged and blessed with food, shelter and clothing. It is our duty to lend a helping hand. Countless children go hungry in our country and the least we can do is give.” She supported Akshaya Patra by playing and donating the prize money of ₹6 lakhs towards the NGO in India in the TV show Dus Ka Dum 3.

The Founder of Robin Hood Army, Neel Ghose, showcased his support towards Akshaya Patra on the show Kaun Banega Crorepati‘s special segment called Karamveers. He donated his winning amount of ₹6,40,000 to feed mid-day meals to children in India.

Celebrity Chef Sanjeev Kapoor promotes the welfare and development of children as they are the future of the nation. He has been closely associated with Akshaya Patra and has helped in raising funds during National Nutrition Month, his visit to the US and during crisis hours. He has also participated with the Foundation to set a world record in cooking 918 kilos of Khichdi.

Tremendous support has been received on various occasions by many other celebrities. To name, a few of them are Vivek Oberoi (Indian Actor), Sonali Bendre (Indian Actress), Shankar Mahadevan (Composer and Playback Singer), A.R. Rahman (Indian Music Director, Composer, Singer-Songwriter, and Music Producer).

The whole world was battling the pandemic and the low-income sections were the worst-affected. To serve the needy people in India, Akshaya Patra started its COVID-19 Relief Service. As a part of this programme, cooked meals and grocery kits are being provided to marginalised families. So far, with support from the Government, State Governments, District Authorities and online donations made by individuals, over 10-crore meals have been served as a part of the relief service.

Words of appreciation amid the COVID crisis
The Akshaya Patra Foundation received the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (IACC) COVID Crusaders Award 2020 for its philanthropic work. The Foundation also received kudos from various prominent personalities like Manish Sisodia – Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi, Hrithik Roshan – Indian Actor, Kiran Mazumdar Shaw – Chairperson of Biocon, PV Sindhu – Indian Badminton Player, Ram Sampath – Indian Composer, Shashi Tharoor – MP, Lok Sabha, Shri Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar – The Maharaja of Mysuru, and many more.

It does not matter who you are; you need not be a celebrity to join our cause, your generosity is what is valued the most. Every little donation made towards feeding children and people of the nation takes care of their health and nutritional status.

Initially called the Joy of Giving Week, Daan Utsav is India’s ‘Festival of Giving’ that was launched in 2009. It is celebrated every year commencing on 2nd October and concluding on 8th October. Thousands of people have come, time and again, to give back to the society and the community.

“The simplest acts of kindness are by far more powerful than a thousand heads bowing in prayer.”
Mahatma Gandhi

People who want to involve themselves in philanthropic acts do every little thing possible from their end. They come up with many creative ways to lend a helping hand to support the cause closest to their heart.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought millions of people together to help those in need.
690 million people around the globe are affected by hunger. By the end of 2020, the COVID-19 crisis could further drive over 130 million more into chronic hunger.
NGO’s all over the world and in India have come forward to help people affected by the pandemic.

Akshaya Patra’s COVID-19 Food Relief Efforts
The Akshaya Patra Foundation began its COVID-19 Relief Service on 25th March 2020 and has served over 8.2-crore meals in the last six months. This NGO is currently serving freshly cooked meals and distributing grocery kits and happiness kits across India.

• Cooked meals
Freshly cooked, nutritious meals are provided to the poor and marginalised sections of the society. So far, a total of 4,92,78,886 meals have been served to daily-wage workers, labourers, needy people at old-age homes and night shelters. Nutritious meals upkeeps health and immunity of the needy.

• Grocery Kits
The pandemic resulted in economic slowdown and loss of jobs, leaving millions helpless. Neither they had any source of income nor enough savings to sustain themselves and their families.The distribution of grocery kits by the NGO have supported 8,27,545 families thus far.

• Happiness Kits
The Happiness Kits Programme was initiated to support the food and education of mid-day meal beneficiaries. Each happiness kit supports nutrition, immunity, hygiene and education of children. So far, a total of 40,551 mid-day meal beneficiaries have been benefitted.

Ways to contribute in this Joy of Giving Week 2020
Your contribution to Akshaya Patra will give hope to millions of people in this Daan Utsav 2020. You can support our cause and experience joy by:
• Donating online
• Being vocal on social media
• Conducting fundraising campaigns

This Daan Utsav, support people in need because “Happiness is not a goal. It is a by-product of a life well-lived.” Eleanor Roosevelt.