The concept of wishing tree was started at the Joy of Giving week that was celebrated last October. About 350 disadvantaged and underprivileged children were allowed to write what they wished for on a card, and pin the card on the tree. The children were brought by NGOs such as Families for Children, AMRIT, and Arogya Foundation. At the Joy of Giving week, visitors were given an opportunity to sponsor the wishes of their choice. All the cards on the tree found sponsors. The gifts were handed over to the children as Pongal gifts last Saturday.

“A brainchild of students Prakalya Balaji and Ananka Shreya of the club, and supported by the Rotarians, the programme was very successful and elicited good response from the public,” Rotarian Dr. U.S. Prakash, President of Rotary Coimbatore Central, said.

Members of the club were happy that this initiative brought cheers to the kids. “These children wished for little things that others take for granted, like toys, school bags, drawing materials, cakes, etc. Receiving these gifts made them very happy,” Annette Prakalya Balaji of the club said.

Motivated by the response, the club has decided to make the wishing tree a regular affair. The donors also felt that they were able to connect directly with the child. It was a rewarding experience for them too.