It’s that time of the year when we gather to spread joy. We do a little bit that helps us remind our existence as “Human”. A little more evidence than a Tee shirt. A little time away from the mundane chores of our life. A little time that we spend in grand style with those we may not know, with those we may not relate, but yet we all have a gala time. A testimony to that has been the repeat members in the last two years of rides to The Good Samaritan Mission. As a matter of fact, we even celebrated a birthday there! We first went there as a group in 2010, we had a gala time. We planned another visit on the same day (May 1st) and found that the kids still remember us, they still remember our bikes, they still remember the fun we had, and they continue to look upon us.
This would be the third iteration of the ride to The Good Samaritan Mission as a group!
A little about TGSM:
The `Good Samaritan Mission’ is located in Vikhroli(E), Mumbai.
They are a registered charitable trust (Regn. No.E 15717, Mumbai) that was established in the year 1994.
Founded by Br. S Peter Paul Raj (who was earlier with Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity for about 10 years), this mission has three homes all located in Vikhroli (E). Two homes are for street children and one home is for male dying destitute.
The homes for street children – Bal Nivas has boys (32) and Silvano Nivas has girls (28). These children are typically either orphaned, abandoned, thrown out of homes, runaways, victims of separated parents, children of very poor parents who just cannot support them etc. All these children are provided free shelter, food, clothing and education. All children except the physically / mentally challenged ones go to school.
The home for male dying destitutes, Vijay Ashram cares for destitute from the streets with serious illnesses or injuries with the aim to provide them dignity in life / death (Bed capacity 35). This is in line with Mother Teresa’s wish that `No one should die on the street uncared for’.
Apart from this they have a free tailoring center at Dr. Ambedkar Nagar Slum for young women from the slums.
They also run a free dispensary in the same slum.
They also have various outreach programmes when they visit other slum areas to render necessary help to the needy as also distribute free food, medicines, clothes etc.
The Mission run on principles of Mother Teresa has a group of dedicated brothers from different parts of India who assist Br. Peter Paul Raj in this Mission of God.
A few have asked as to why do we go there in May. Reasons against it vary from it being very hot, to the genuine plea that a lot of the kids go for vacation with their families at that time. That’s exactly why we go there in May! For those who have nothing to look up as vacation! Nowhere to go except for lurking in streets with the same old toys! We enjoy in being of some use to them, we relish their company as much as they look up to us!
This year, on its 3rd iteration we wish to make this yet another grand day. And of course with you!
How can you help?
1. By your presence:
These kids are extremely friendly. They love company. In fact during the earlier visits, they have not only been successfully in ensuring that some of the very shy introverts in our group dance with them, but also stumped the so called talkative ones with the sheer wit! Be there to spend some quality time.
2. By your gifts:
Gifts are simple gifts, a simple package that spreads joy. Some things that they can use. These may, or may not be of much use to you. So old usable clothes, books, bags, colours, toys, all count! This isn’t a race to make money, this is done as our humble effort to give back to the society. If you wish to donate something, but are challenged for time, do not worry! We are a group of bikers from every nook and corner of Mumbai (and pune!) Some crazy, willing and able enough to ride to your place to collect YOUR gifts!
3. By your support:
Help us coordinate the event, help us in any way you can.
Are you good at singing, dancing etc? Great you can perform for them! Can you help us lend projectors, some movies etc. great! We would love to see a movie together! You have a huge list of friends who could possibly help us, go ahead share the event details!
Everybody is more than invited to come up for this! But do remember, this isn’t a commercial activity, and we would like to keep it like that. If you are clicking pictures, do so in good taste, befriend them, ask due permission and then capture what you want to be YOUR memory from the event!
Facebook RSVP – Coming up soon
Date – May 1 – 2012
DiSPLaCeD CoSMoNauT 
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