Red Cross gives wings to dreams of special kids

A special project, ‘Wings’, run by the District Red Cross Society, Hoshiarpur, was honoured with a state-level award by Punjab Cabinet Minister Dr Baljit Kaur to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (December 3). The honour is a proof of the unique success of this project, said the minister.

Under the project, canteens have been set up at four different places by 12 specially-abled children. In these canteens, high quality food items are made available to the students and staff at reasonable prices. The project has not only made these special children financially self-reliant, but has also played an important role in improving their social life.

Deputy Commissioner Komal Mittal said that these canteens have been serving more than 8,000 customers for the last 11 months. After recovering their cost, these canteens are also paying wages to the specially-abled children. He said that due to this project, positive thinking and sensitivity has increased among special children as well as normal children.

Seeing the success of the project, the Deputy Commissioner announced that ‘Wings’ canteens will be opened in other schools and colleges as well. For this, he thanked Ludhiana Beverages (Coca-Cola), who sponsored the project and brought new light in the lives of special children.

The Deputy Commissioner said that the success of the ‘Wings’ project proves that with right direction and support, even special children can become self-reliant and empowered. The project has worked to change the attitude towards special children in society.

The special children of the ‘Wings’ project expressed their gratitude to the district administration and Red Cross Society secretary Mangesh Sood. Savitri Devi said that she had never thought of such an achievement in her life. Some of the children like Bhavik, Dilawar and Neeraj expressed their happiness and said that it marked a turning point in their life.

Secretary, Red Cross Society, Mangesh Sood said that the canteen is being run efficiently by nine mentally challenged, two mute and deaf and a physically handicapped child. He appealed to the general public to cooperate in such works of social welfare.