A few philanthropists from different walks of life came together to form Rotary Club of Coimbatore Saicity in 1992. Two and a half decades have passed and the 57 dedicated members of the club continue to contribute generously in terms of money and time towards the various humanitarian projects and matching grant projects that are co-funded by Rotary Foundation.

“All our projects are aimed at supporting the underprivileged in and around the city. We are now supporting our adopted villages and several rural schools in infrastructure development, computer education, sanitation, hygiene, medical services, rain water harvesting and safe drinking water,” R. Mylsamy, President, Rotary Club of Coimbatore Saicity, says.

Though there are several projects, ‘Gift of Life’ project of this club deserves a special mention. This project provides free heart surgery to the needy children who are (below the age of 15) suffering from heart diseases and disorders.

“As per statistics, eight out of 1,000 children suffer from congenital heart disease in India.  Their condition remains unknown, largely due to economic constraints and ignorance. The cost of treatment is anywhere between Rs. 80,000 to Rs.1 lakh per child. When left untreated, the child will die sooner or later,” Frederic Wilson, Secretary of the club, says. In order to help such needy children whose families would otherwise not be able to bear funds for surgery, this club has sponsored surgeries for several such children who suffer from heart disorders and diseases.

Ever since this project was initiated in 2002, about 770 heart related surgeries have been performed so far. Support to carry out these surgeries has come from members of Rotary Club of Coimbatore Saicity, Sri Ramakrishna Hospital, Rotary Foundation, and philanthropists.

Secretary of Rotary Club of Coimbatore Saicity tells us that ‘Gift of Life’ project has also benefited around 30 children from countries like Philippines, Bangladesh and Cambodia.