He grew up in an orphanage home in Coimbatore city. Till date Arun doesn’t know who his parents are. The life he lived as a child has promoted him to start a foundation to help several orphanage homes in the city. “I had spent my childhood in an orphanage home in Coimbatore city. As a child, I would eagerly wait for gifts and new clothes on Diwali and Christmas. I know how it feels to be disappointed. This is why I want to help orphanage children in the city,” Arun, founder of Youth Helping Hands, says. Youth Helping Hands is an NGO based in Coimbatore that supports various NGOs in the city.

This year, a team of volunteers along with Arun visited the flood-hit Cuddalore district to distribute relief materials. The team returned last week and is now busy getting ready to celebrate Christmas with the inmates of the orphanage homes in the city. “We bought new set of clothes for 250 children of three orphanage homes in Coimbatore. We also purchased things like buckets, mugs, and soaps that the homes need. . We were happy that we managed to make a difference in the children’s lives,” Arun says.

Every year, Youth Helping Hands organizes a grand function during Diwali. Preparation for this big event starts months ahead of the festival day. Children of orphanage homes in Coimbatore city are invited to a venue. A day-long programme is organized for them. Youth Helping Hands gives sweets, new dresses, and other toiletries to them as gifts.

Next on the list of celebrations is New Year. Arun says that this year he plans to re-visit Cuddalore district and celebrate New Year with the victims who are coming to terms with life post the recent floods. “I have been invited to deliver a motivational talk. I will visit them soon and, hopefully, make a difference in their lives,” he says.